'21-'22 News
Herricks Ensembles at NYSSMA (5/23/22-5/26/22)
The past two years have been far too abnormal to successfully organize NYSSMA for ensembles. As we finally begin to adjust and adapt to the chaos, NYSSMA returns to normal as well. In fact, the conditions have improved to the point where group NYSSMA festivals can feasibly be held. Herricks had a total of 11 ensembles at NYSSMA this year, and all groups did a spectacular job. These groups included: Denton Avenue's Band and Orchestra, Herricks Middle School's 8th Grade Band, Chamber Choir, and Chamber Orchestra, and Herricks High School's Jazz Choir, Concert Band, 9th Grade Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Choir, and Chamber Orchestra.
Herricks was rightfully represented by these ensembles, and a variety of excellent results were acquired. One silver, two golds, and eight gold with distinction medals were earned through the hard work of these ensembles. What a fantastic way to close out a stunning musical year for Herricks!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos can be found here!
Herricks was rightfully represented by these ensembles, and a variety of excellent results were acquired. One silver, two golds, and eight gold with distinction medals were earned through the hard work of these ensembles. What a fantastic way to close out a stunning musical year for Herricks!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos can be found here!
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Young Musicians Concert (5/5/22)
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has offered the Young Musicians Program, in which ensembles of any composition may audition for a chance to perform in the esteemed Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. From trios from Queens to quartets from Plainsboro, the competition is fierce. The first half of four regional primaries is first held via video audition, and the second half is held in person.
Three Herricks ensembles applied to this competition, and all three made it past the first half of the primaries. The first group was composed of violinists Genesis Kang and Catalin Wong, violist Liam Tan, and cellists Esther Min and Ryan Lo, playing the Schubert Quintet in C major. The second group consisted of French hornist Keneil Soni, violinists Tyler Lau and Kaylee Luo, violist Brendon Lau, cellist Preston Chan, and bassist Dylan Lee, playing the Scherzino for Horn and Strings by Reger. These two groups were able to completely make it past the primaries, and were among twelve ensembles selected to perform in Alice Tully Hall. However, the third group consisting of violinists Fiona Kuo and Aaron Chu, violist Jeylin Lee, cellist Devon Lee, and harpist Jocelyn Chiu should not be discredited at all-the competition was fierce this year, and all groups truly represented the musicality of Herricks.
The final performance at Alice Tully Hall took place on May 5. Students from each school were invited to watch their fellow musicians perform at Lincoln Center. Both groups held stunning performances, filling the hall with a variety of melodies-lighthearted, dramatic, and devastating melodies alike. Thank you to Catherine Birke for creating and directing these quintets, allowing them to reach their fullest potentials. Thank you to all members of these quintets, and congratulations to every single musician involved!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos by Catherine Birke and Liam Tan
Three Herricks ensembles applied to this competition, and all three made it past the first half of the primaries. The first group was composed of violinists Genesis Kang and Catalin Wong, violist Liam Tan, and cellists Esther Min and Ryan Lo, playing the Schubert Quintet in C major. The second group consisted of French hornist Keneil Soni, violinists Tyler Lau and Kaylee Luo, violist Brendon Lau, cellist Preston Chan, and bassist Dylan Lee, playing the Scherzino for Horn and Strings by Reger. These two groups were able to completely make it past the primaries, and were among twelve ensembles selected to perform in Alice Tully Hall. However, the third group consisting of violinists Fiona Kuo and Aaron Chu, violist Jeylin Lee, cellist Devon Lee, and harpist Jocelyn Chiu should not be discredited at all-the competition was fierce this year, and all groups truly represented the musicality of Herricks.
The final performance at Alice Tully Hall took place on May 5. Students from each school were invited to watch their fellow musicians perform at Lincoln Center. Both groups held stunning performances, filling the hall with a variety of melodies-lighthearted, dramatic, and devastating melodies alike. Thank you to Catherine Birke for creating and directing these quintets, allowing them to reach their fullest potentials. Thank you to all members of these quintets, and congratulations to every single musician involved!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos by Catherine Birke and Liam Tan
Herricks Idol (4/1/22)
With the first live Herricks Idol in over a year, it was evident everyone was bubbling over with anticipation and excitement. With a stacked list of contestants, a pair of captivating emcees, three motivating and energetic judges, and legendary cameos from the Tri-M board, this April Fool's night was full of incredible talent as well as fun and shenanigans.
After a brief intro from the Tri-M board, the show truly began. Before each contestant sang their song to the judges and audience, the emcees would steal the show and introduce the song and contestant on stage. An interview of the contestant would then be played on the screen, where the contestant would answer why they choose to do Idol, any shoutouts they had, who were their musical inspirations, and then some fun icebreaker questions. After each video finished playing, each contestant proceeded to steal the show right back from the emcees, completely blowing everyone away with their moving performances. The judges would then give feedback on the contestant's performance.
Once the four finalists were decided, each finalist came on stage and sang another song to the audience, with voting commencing after all the finalists were done singing. There were two winners this year, and with the announcement of the winners, this spectacular night finally came to a close.
Thank you to all the contestants: Lucas Lin, Duhan Lee, Shruti Vadada, Kristina Apostolatos, Ryan Lo, Achintyaa Gupta, Madilyn Silverman, Megan Lau, Chloe Lin, and Janis Wu! Thank you to our emcees, Stephanie Chan and Pranati Patnam! Thank you to our three judges, Dr. Gloster, Mr. Lee, and Mrs. Birke! Thank you to everyone behind the scenes, for making this all possible!
Congratulations to our four finalists, Chloe Lin, Ryan Lo, Duhan Lee, and Megan Lau! And HUGE congrats to Ryan Lo and Chloe Lin for winning this year's Idol!
Article by Patrick Leu
Photos by Ved Dattaray
After a brief intro from the Tri-M board, the show truly began. Before each contestant sang their song to the judges and audience, the emcees would steal the show and introduce the song and contestant on stage. An interview of the contestant would then be played on the screen, where the contestant would answer why they choose to do Idol, any shoutouts they had, who were their musical inspirations, and then some fun icebreaker questions. After each video finished playing, each contestant proceeded to steal the show right back from the emcees, completely blowing everyone away with their moving performances. The judges would then give feedback on the contestant's performance.
Once the four finalists were decided, each finalist came on stage and sang another song to the audience, with voting commencing after all the finalists were done singing. There were two winners this year, and with the announcement of the winners, this spectacular night finally came to a close.
Thank you to all the contestants: Lucas Lin, Duhan Lee, Shruti Vadada, Kristina Apostolatos, Ryan Lo, Achintyaa Gupta, Madilyn Silverman, Megan Lau, Chloe Lin, and Janis Wu! Thank you to our emcees, Stephanie Chan and Pranati Patnam! Thank you to our three judges, Dr. Gloster, Mr. Lee, and Mrs. Birke! Thank you to everyone behind the scenes, for making this all possible!
Congratulations to our four finalists, Chloe Lin, Ryan Lo, Duhan Lee, and Megan Lau! And HUGE congrats to Ryan Lo and Chloe Lin for winning this year's Idol!
Article by Patrick Leu
Photos by Ved Dattaray
The Little Mermaid Musical Performances (3/25-27/22)
Throughout the weekend performances of The Little Mermaid, the audience was completely bedazzled by incredible musical numbers, impressive dance choreography, hilarious jokes, stunning costumes, and impeccable acting. Each performance was a complete experience and immersive experience into the world of Ariel and Prince Eric's world above. From classic songs such as "Under the Sea" to the enchantingly beautiful "If Only", this musical had easily some of the best music played from any musical. If not for the dedication and passion from the full cast, the pit, the stage crew, and the makers of the set pieces, none of this would have been possible. Although we are sad to see this incredible group go, huge congrats to everyone involved, and thanks for giving everyone an experience of a lifetime!
Article by Patrick Leu
Article by Patrick Leu
NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference (12/2/21-12/5/21)
The NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference was held at Rochester from December 2 through December 5. This year, a total of seven Herricks musicians were able to perform at the conference. Violinists Genesis Kang and Madeleine Wang, violist Liam Tan, French hornist Keneil Soni, and flutist Carolyn Lau performed in the symphony orchestra, clarinetist Ranjani Srinivasan was a part of the symphony band, and vocalist David Gonzalez joined the mixed choir. Furthermore, Madeleine Wang and Liam Tan were among the 12 pianists featured in the All-State Piano Showcase. The four-day long conference was a breathtaking experience for all, as the first in-person All-State Conference any of these musicians had attended. Musicians from all across the state were joined together, both by miscellaneous activities arranged by the wonderful NYSSMA officials and the incredible music itself. These astonishing musicians have dilligently worked towards this for their entire musical careers, and congratulations to all of them!
Let's not forget to congratulate maestro (for a few minutes) Keneil Soni!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos by Catherine Birke
Let's not forget to congratulate maestro (for a few minutes) Keneil Soni!
Article by Liam Tan
Photos by Catherine Birke
Tri-M Honors Concert (10/27/21)
A traditional Tri-M Honors Concert has been missed by teachers and students alike. Many were eager to experience a concert with only a sparse number of live concerts throughout last year. Congrats to each ensemble, the Blue Jazz Band, the Chamber Orchestra, the Chamber Choir, and the Wind Ensemble for delivering a high end, extravagant, and amazing start to music for this new school year!
Article by Liam Tan and Patrick Leu
Article by Liam Tan and Patrick Leu
All-National Honor Ensembles Acceptances (10/15/21)
Three Herricks musicians have truly achieved a nonsensical achievement for our school district. The All-National Honor Ensembles are hosted by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and are some of the most prestigious groups of musicians in the United States. Prior years have had one or two student acceptances into these ensembles, but this year marks the first year where three Herricks musicians have been accepted into these ensembles of the highest honor.
French hornist Keneil Soni, violist Liam Tan, and tenor 1 vocalist Leonardo Gomez were selected to participate in the All-National Honor Ensembles. Applicants were selected based off of their NYSSMA score and prior musical background, in addition to a video audition. In January, Keneil and Liam will perform in the symphony orchestra, while Leonardo will perform in the mixed choir. Once again, congratulations to these musicians, and good luck to them!
Article by Liam Tan
French hornist Keneil Soni, violist Liam Tan, and tenor 1 vocalist Leonardo Gomez were selected to participate in the All-National Honor Ensembles. Applicants were selected based off of their NYSSMA score and prior musical background, in addition to a video audition. In January, Keneil and Liam will perform in the symphony orchestra, while Leonardo will perform in the mixed choir. Once again, congratulations to these musicians, and good luck to them!
Article by Liam Tan
All-State Festival Acceptances (9/10/21)
Herricks did not disappoint with its NYSSMA All-State Festival acceptances this year. Despite the tough competition this year after quarantine, 17 Herricks students were accepted into All State this year. Congratulations to flutist Carolyn Lau, cellist Esther Min, French hornist Keneil Soni, flutist Ved Dattaray, violist Liam Tan, violist Ellie Kim, violinist Katherine Yee, flutist Caitlin Chheda, clarinetist Ranjani Srinivasan, violinist Genesis Kang, violinist Kailey Simons, violinist Madeleine Wang, violinist Tina Zhao, vocalist Leonardo Gomez, flutist Meaghan Haller, and vocalist David Gonzalez! A further congratulations to Madeleine and Liam for being accepted into the All-State Piano Showcase. Best of luck to all these musicians!
Article by Liam Tan
Article by Liam Tan
Tri-M Initiate Party 8/29/21)
On August 8th, Tri-M hosted it's yearly initiate party; this time, everyone was outside on a cloudy Sunday afternoon rather than at home on Zoom. Held at Christopher Morley Park, this party fittingly served as one of the first in-person Tri-M events of this year. Over thirty guests arrived to the event, and while masks were still worn, this event marked a bright transition to a new Tri-M year.
The initiates first enjoyed pizza and beverages while introductions to the Board were made. Afterwards, a beach ball with icebreaker questions written on it was passed around the initiates and Board members for further introductions. After that, the initiates were broken up by grade to hold a race — a blindfolded race. Two initiates from each grade were blindfolded and had to be guided by the rest of the group from the baseball field to the picnic tables where all the food and beverages were. There was a lot of screaming, running, guiding, and even climbing from one of the initiates to get to the goal.
Overall, this was a good spring in the right direction. The party was full of fun activities and interactions that felt truly liberating from the past year. As school approaches this Tuesday, it will be very exciting to see what these new honorary musicians will do!
Article by Patrick Leu
The initiates first enjoyed pizza and beverages while introductions to the Board were made. Afterwards, a beach ball with icebreaker questions written on it was passed around the initiates and Board members for further introductions. After that, the initiates were broken up by grade to hold a race — a blindfolded race. Two initiates from each grade were blindfolded and had to be guided by the rest of the group from the baseball field to the picnic tables where all the food and beverages were. There was a lot of screaming, running, guiding, and even climbing from one of the initiates to get to the goal.
Overall, this was a good spring in the right direction. The party was full of fun activities and interactions that felt truly liberating from the past year. As school approaches this Tuesday, it will be very exciting to see what these new honorary musicians will do!
Article by Patrick Leu
Herricks Tri-M Induction (6/7/21)
On June 7, Herricks Tri-M held its annual induction ceremony for all members, new and old. This year has been unlike any other, but everyone has worked so hard to make it this far. Tri-M strives to be a center of the musical arts at Herricks, in addition to serving the community.
To start off the evening, Mrs. Arnold and the Tri-M Executive Board gave an enthusiastic opening. Following this, Mrs. Arnold introduced the first guest speaker of the night, Herricks Alumni of 2004 Sarah Laredo. Sarah is one of the founding board members of the Tri-M chapter at Herricks, who has continued to include music in her everyday life. Following Sarah was the announcement of the Tri-M initiates of this year. The second guest speaker was Allison Greenwood, a graduating senior this year. A member of the chamber choir and consistent participant in the Herricks Musical, she has always contributed to the community through her performances. Afterwards the continuing members of Tri-M were honored.
After the announcement of the honorary Life Members of the Herricks Tri-M, the Chapter Student Award winners were announced. The Chapter Student Awards are given to members of Tri-M that completely embody the spirit of Tri-M, constantly striving to give back to the community and demonstrating their skills. The Master Musician Award is given to players who excel in music, and showcase their skills through the various honors awarded to them and performances in the community. The Master Musician Award was given to continuing member Carolyn Lau, a flutist who is a member of the wind ensemble that has participated in numerous musical activities. The next award given was the Leadership Recognition Award, which is given to musicians that not only involve themselves in Tri-M, but act as leaders in their own ensembles and groups. The Leadership Recognition Award was given to Jordan Abraham, a percussion player in the wind ensemble who consistently serves his community. The final award given was the Outstanding Service Recognition Award. This award is given to those who demonstrate their willingness to work with or on behalf of others, and are active in their music communities. The Outstanding Service Recognition Award was given to Jeylin Lee, a violist in the chamber orchestra who recently performed at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. Congratulations to all recipients of these awards, and congratulations to all initiates and members!
To conclude the night, Co-Presidents Rhea Rasquinha and Timothy Kim left their closing remarks about their experiences in the Herricks music community. Afterwards, the Tri-M executive board of the 2021-2022 school year was announced. Co-Presidents Keneil Soni and Kayla Sohn, Co-Vice Presidents Genesis Kang and Ved Dattaray, Secretary/Treasurer Alex Marcoline, Public Relations Officer Megan Cheng, Points Chair Marcus Gamboa, and Co-Historians Patrick Leu and Liam Tan will continue to contribute to Tri-M and the community as a whole. Thank you to everyone for persevering through such a strange year, and congratulations to all initiates, members of Tri-M, award recipients, and new chapter officers!
Article by Liam Tan
To start off the evening, Mrs. Arnold and the Tri-M Executive Board gave an enthusiastic opening. Following this, Mrs. Arnold introduced the first guest speaker of the night, Herricks Alumni of 2004 Sarah Laredo. Sarah is one of the founding board members of the Tri-M chapter at Herricks, who has continued to include music in her everyday life. Following Sarah was the announcement of the Tri-M initiates of this year. The second guest speaker was Allison Greenwood, a graduating senior this year. A member of the chamber choir and consistent participant in the Herricks Musical, she has always contributed to the community through her performances. Afterwards the continuing members of Tri-M were honored.
After the announcement of the honorary Life Members of the Herricks Tri-M, the Chapter Student Award winners were announced. The Chapter Student Awards are given to members of Tri-M that completely embody the spirit of Tri-M, constantly striving to give back to the community and demonstrating their skills. The Master Musician Award is given to players who excel in music, and showcase their skills through the various honors awarded to them and performances in the community. The Master Musician Award was given to continuing member Carolyn Lau, a flutist who is a member of the wind ensemble that has participated in numerous musical activities. The next award given was the Leadership Recognition Award, which is given to musicians that not only involve themselves in Tri-M, but act as leaders in their own ensembles and groups. The Leadership Recognition Award was given to Jordan Abraham, a percussion player in the wind ensemble who consistently serves his community. The final award given was the Outstanding Service Recognition Award. This award is given to those who demonstrate their willingness to work with or on behalf of others, and are active in their music communities. The Outstanding Service Recognition Award was given to Jeylin Lee, a violist in the chamber orchestra who recently performed at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. Congratulations to all recipients of these awards, and congratulations to all initiates and members!
To conclude the night, Co-Presidents Rhea Rasquinha and Timothy Kim left their closing remarks about their experiences in the Herricks music community. Afterwards, the Tri-M executive board of the 2021-2022 school year was announced. Co-Presidents Keneil Soni and Kayla Sohn, Co-Vice Presidents Genesis Kang and Ved Dattaray, Secretary/Treasurer Alex Marcoline, Public Relations Officer Megan Cheng, Points Chair Marcus Gamboa, and Co-Historians Patrick Leu and Liam Tan will continue to contribute to Tri-M and the community as a whole. Thank you to everyone for persevering through such a strange year, and congratulations to all initiates, members of Tri-M, award recipients, and new chapter officers!
Article by Liam Tan