JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown High School junior was selected as one of only 130 of the most musically talented high school students in the Eastern region of the United States to perform in the 2019 National Association for Music Educators All-Eastern Honors Concert Band Ensemble.
Dylan Lydell traveled to Pittsburgh to play the euphonium in the ensemble. Dylan, who has already participated in the 2018 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Zone 1 Area All-State and Conference All-State Festivals, was chosen to perform at the All-Eastern Festival based on his NYSSMA solo performance.
“It has been 10 years since a student from Jamestown has been selected for this honor,” said JHS Band Director Meghan Murray. “Dylan is a phenomenal musician and student. His natural musical talent, along with his exceptional work ethic, has gotten him to where he is today. Dylan has earned every bit of this extraordinary recognition. I am so proud of him and look forward to what he can accomplish in his senior year.”
Lydell prepared remarkably challenging music that he performed under the leadership of prominent conductors in this biennial event. Students spent three days rehearsing eight hours a day with one of five conductors during the All-Eastern Conference. The students also had an opportunity to see a concert each night including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the U.S. Navy Band and Chorus.
“It was such a great experience going to All-Eastern Honors Concert Band Ensemble,” said Lydell. “I had the opportunity to work and learn from an amazing conductor and to be able to bring back my knowledge to JHS to help my fellow students. It was just fantastic. I also met great students from all over the Eastern United States. The opportunity to perform with student-musicians at such a high skill level made it an invaluable experience for my music career.”
The NAfME All-Eastern Honors Ensembles, consisting of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed chorus, treble chorus, and jazz ensemble, are organized by members of The National Association for Music Education. Each of the state music educators associations in the Eastern Division (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, PA, VT, Europe) oversee the selection process in their state during the fall of the year before the event and compile ranked lists of recommended juniors and seniors for consideration. The method used to compile the lists varies from state to state, although all recommended students must have been selected to participate in their home all-state festivals.
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