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From left to right: Ella Eakins, Isaac Ubbink, Isaiah Bransford, Ezekiel Bransford

NOV.8, 2024— Four Pal-Mac High School musicians have secured spots in a highly-competitive music opportunity.

The students were selected for the Area All-State Music Festival, which brings together top junior and senior high school talent from across the region. 

Trumpeter Ezekiel Bransford and clarinet player Isaac Ubbink represented at the junior high-level last weekend at the York Central School District. Ezekiel’s brother, Isaiah, along with euphonium player Ella Eakins, will represent at the senior high-level on Nov.15 and 16. 

"It’s been a fun process but also one that requires a lot of practice," Ubbink said. "I put in as much extra time as I could to get better."

“It’s been a long process including doing extracurricular activities for the band,” Ezekiel Bransford said. “It’s also about getting ready for something bigger next year.”

Qualifying for Area All-State involves a rigorous process that includes teacher recommendations, auditions judged by New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA ) -certified adjudicators, and the requirement to score an 'A' or higher. 

Students must also perform complex solos ranked at level five or six on the NYSSMA difficulty scale. For senior high participants, these performances are accompanied by a pianist and evaluated by a single judge.

Isaiah Bransford said he had additional practice sessions through the Eastman School of Music.

"It took a lot of practice," Isaiah Bransford said. "For about a year, I worked on expanding my range and refining my technique. Getting this far makes me want to practice more because I know I can go even further."

Band Director Debra Davis said preparation began last winter, with auditions held in the spring and results announced in September.  She says the purpose of the festival is to enhance a student’s musical education, and provide them with a space to showcase their talents.

As they prepare to perform on the big stage, Eakins says she is already gearing up for her next area solo. "I wish I could track my practice hours,” Eakins said. “It would be off the charts."

While Davis oversees the senior high musicians, Middle School Band Director Liz Kockler oversees the junior high musicians. 

The senior high festival will take place at Newark High School.