BHS Orchestra Earns Highest Accolade at NYSSMA Festival

main photo
Bronxville, NY

Members of the Bronxville High School Orchestra, led by orchestra director Denise Lutter, have earned the highest possible accolade – a Gold with Distinction award –at the New York State School Music Association spring festival, held at Lehman College on May 22. They performed a Level 6 repertoire, which is the most difficult NYSSMA level.

“The students displayed extraordinary concentration during the festival as they collaborated to create well-crafted interpretations,” Lutter said. “Their ability to focus intensely for long periods of time, as well as their musical skills and independence, received accolades from the adjudicators.”

The talented musicians earned the Gold with Distinction award for demonstrating an exceptional level of technical and artistic skill in each of the evaluative categories for all three selections. The group performed Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 4 by Arcangelo Corelli, Serenade for Strings, 4th movement by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and Sonata for Strings, 4th movement by William Walton.

“The program was extremely demanding for a high school orchestra,” Lutter said. “It is a joy to work with students who are eager to undertake difficult challenges and who work diligently until they achieve their goals."

BHS Orchestra Earns Highest Accolade at NYSSMA Festival photo