by Debbie Manetta, Mamaroneck School District

(April 2, 2009) The Hommocks Middle School 8th grade orchestra was honored with a gold medal on Tuesday, March 31 at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Majors Festival in Bedford, while the Hommocks chamber orchestra received a gold medal with distinction (the highest score any ensemble can receive). These top honors were decided by a combination of NYSSMA judges scoring the students’ performances against a standardized New York State rubric.

“We’re so proud of the Hommocks orchestra directors, Andrew Sussman and Janine de Nigris, as well as the entire roster of Hommocks orchestra students,” said Hommocks Principal Dr. Seth Weitzman. “I appreciate the beautiful music they produce and the hard work and dedication they demonstrate as they practice. We all know how you get to Carnegie Hall: Practice, Practice, Practice. Students don’t work so well, however, without outstanding teachers supporting them and guiding them.”

At the conclusion of both performances, the judges came up on stage and spoke with the students. They were especially complimentary about both groups’ ability to play with expression and dynamics, as well as their superior ensemble work and technique. The judges told the students, “You are fortunate to have such a fine conductor and teacher. It was an honor to hear you play today and we hope to have the pleasure of hearing you play again in the future.”