Choristers Earn Gold With Distinction Award at NYSSMA Festival

Members of the Bronxville Middle School Choristers, led by choral director Pamela Simpson, have earned the highest possible accolade – a Gold with Distinction award – at the New York State School Music Association Spring Festival, held at New York University on June 8. 

The talented students earned the Gold with Distinction award for demonstrating an exceptional level of technical and artistic skill in each of the eight evaluative categories. The Choristers performed three songs – two from a required list from NYSSMA’s manual and one of their choice that met the requirements. 

“They were able to sing each song extraordinarily well, taking special care to sing in the style appropriate for each selection,” Simpson said. “In addition, each song had a wide range of dynamics and the students were able to execute the dynamics exceptionally well. The adjudicators gave them specific commendations for their exceptional intonation, tone quality and diversity of program material.” 

The students performed “Yo Le Canto Todo el Dia” by David Brunner, “Kalanta of the New Year,” a Greek traditional song arranged by Malcolm Dalglish and “Give Us Hope,” by Jim Papoulis.

“It is such a joy to work with students who come together to pursue their passion for singing in a choir,” Simpson added. “They realized that by working and supporting one another, they were able to create something magical. Their efforts were rewarded with such well-deserved accolades.” 

Congratulations to the following Bronxville Middle School Choristers members: Aryia Banihashem Ahmad, Jake Berman, Amelia Bornmann, Eliza Brennan, Elizabeth Burnell, Elizabeth Cioffi, Brooks Clifford, Ellie Clifford, Savannah DelliColli, Munira Dhuliyawalla, Audrey Heath, Isabela Fenner, Ava Jacobsen, George Kedas, Lizzy Langhoff, Maggie Lockwood, Elle Reilly and Francesca Ricciarini.