Editor's Note: This article was written by representatives of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.
Lauren Lamonsoff, a junior from Calhoun High School, was accepted to perform with the NAfME (National Association for Music Education) Eastern Division Honors Mixed Choir.
The Eastern Division Conference was held at the Bushwell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut on April 4-7 under the direction of Dr. Z. Randall Stroope (who is widely considered to be one of the top 10 living American choral conductors and composers).
This is quite an accomplishment for Lauren, as the Eastern Division Honors Mixed Choir was comprised of 360 students representing 13 states and the District of Columbia and Lauren was one of the 90 students representing the entire state of New York.
To be accepted, a student must score a 100 on the highest level of difficulty in the NYSSMA solo competition festival. However, even that does not guarantee acceptance, as Lauren was the only student musician from Bellmore-Merrick to be accepted (among 5 NYSSMA All-State musicians).
Lauren also had to pass an audition, and receive letters of recommendation. In addition, current seniors get preference over current juniors during the selection process, which makes her selection even more unique.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
