Garden City Public Schools

Garden City Schools is proud to announce that nine exceptional students from Garden City High School have been selected as participants or alternates for the prestigious 2025 NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensembles. These talented musicians will represent the district at the annual event, taking place Dec. 4-7 in Rochester, highlighting their skills among the top performers across New York State.

Congratulations to the following students on this outstanding accomplishment:

Emily Pulver – Mixed Chorus

Sarah Phinney – Symphony Orchestra

Clara Archer – alternate, bass clarinet

Rebecca Chau – alternate, flute

Ava Chen – alternate, violin

Eton Lu – alternate, tuba

Grace Kumpel – alternate, violin

Elsie Ross – alternate, trumpet

Azra Zirhli – alternate, cello

Thousands of students auditioned last spring for the NYSSMA All-State Festival, making this an exceptional accomplishment for these Garden City musicians. Special thanks go to their ensemble teachers — Andrew Albani, Daniel DellaMonica, Alexandra Frazzetto, Stephen Mayo and James McCrann — for their dedication and guidance in preparing students for their auditions.

“Being selected to participate in NYSSMA's All-State ensembles is a tremendous honor that reflects not only exceptional musical talent, but also dedication, discipline and a deep love for the arts,” said Coordinator of Music and the Arts Ms. Akira Regan. “These students represent the very best of our state's young musicians, and we are incredibly proud of their achievement.”

The district wishes these students the best of luck as they prepare for their performances in December.