30 Herricks High School Musicians Earn Prestigious NYSSMA All-State Honors

Photo caption: Herricks School District celebrates the 30 Herricks High School student-musicians recognized for the 2026 NYSSMA All-State Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Herricks Public Schools.

By Williston Post Staff

Herricks High School is celebrating the achievements of 30 student-musicians recognized by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for the 2026 All-State Music Festival. Seventeen students have been selected to perform, while 13 have been named alternates for the prestigious event, scheduled for December in Rochester, New York.

Selection to the All-State Festival is among the highest honors for high school musicians in New York State. Each year, more than 6,000 students audition through a rigorous process that includes solo performances, sight-reading and scales, with only a select number earning a place in the festival.

The 17 Herricks All-State performers are: Samuel Babayev (Bassoon), Evelyn Chou (Violin), Miles Cohen (Tenor), Ava Hsiao (Bassoon), Shawna Huang (Violin), Grace Kang (Viola), Skylar Kiang (Piccolo), Aaizah Lakhani (Alto), Matthew Liu (Cello), Rohan Nair (Bass), Dianne Noh (Viola), Samaira Singh (Soprano), Nathan Tan (Violin), Claud Tung (Trombone), Aashna Venkatesh (Soprano), Emma Wang (Flute) and Peony Wu (Piano).

The 13 All-State alternates are: Aarini Chakraborty (Soprano), Theodore Chang (Flute), Griffin Chiu (Jazz Drum Set), Regina Choi (Flute), Naman Gupta (Tenor), Evan Kim (Jazz Guitar), Teagan Lau (Violin), Claire Lee (Cello), Zachary Maiman (Euphonium), Mia Paul (Soprano), Harshil Pippwala (Alto Saxophone), Ashley Simons (Cello and Jazz Alto Saxophone) and Christie Yang (Violin).

"We are incredibly proud of these students for reaching this remarkable milestone," said Mark Bligh, District Director of Fine and Performing Arts. "Being recognized by NYSSMA at the All-State level is a testament to their talent, discipline and commitment to excellence."

The students are currently under the direction of Herricks music educators Scott Stickley, Louise O'Hanlon, Catherine Birke and James Ludwig, whose guidance has helped foster their musical development.

During the festival, selected performers will rehearse and perform alongside the state's top young musicians under nationally recognized conductors in ensembles including symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra and choir.

The district congratulates all 30 students on their outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to their representation of the Herricks community on the statewide stage.