A Weekend In Rochester

By any measure, the 76th Annual Winter Conference 2011 All-State Concert was a great event. Just under 900 musicians, 4 from Scarsdale High School, recognized by The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for their proficiency participated in a series of concerts held at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York on December 3rd and 4th. Performances were made (in order) by the: Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Women’s Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra. Individual guest conductors were chosen for each of the ensembles.

I was selected to be one of two mallet percussion instrumentalists chosen to represent New York State in the All-State Symphonic Band in this year’s event. My journey to Rochester began 8 years ago with my decision to add the marimba – an instrument comprised of a set of wooden keys set up as those of a piano, struck with a mallet – as a performance instrument that would allow me to do more ensemble work. Having studied piano and music theory from the time that I was 5, the transition to percussion was fairly smooth. Through the help of the band directors at Edgewood School (Patricia Hurley), Scarsdale Middle school (Nick Lieto) and Scarsdale High School (Jason Noble), I gained a level of proficiency that gave me the chance to test and be recognized by the NY State School Music Association (the testing is held once a year – scores are given and then the music directors submit their students as candidates to be considered by NYSSMA).

Preparation for the concert actually began a month ago when I received the music for this year’s program. But the real work began with the 5 ½ hour trip (by car) up on Thursday and the rigorous preparation made with the guest conductor (Dr. David Holsinger of Lee University). Between the time that the 160 members of the All-State Symphonic Band first met and the actual performance on Sunday, 22 hours of practice hours were logged. We had to learn how to meld our talents on five high-level compositions (2 of which were written by Dr. Holisinger) in 3 intense days of practice. Dr. Holsinger joked with the audience that during rehearsals, smoke was literally coming out of some of the instruments. Downtime between practice sessions was spent eating and bonding with the other musicians at the Radisson Hotel. The quarters were tight and as there were only two beds, we had to rotate sleeping on the sofa. I had the good fortune to have two roommates from Rockland and Putnam counties who shared my passion for performance, and my need to let off steam in the “off hours”.

The actual performance lived up to my elevated expectations. The Eastman Theatre is an iconic venue in the heart of Rochester. Built in 1922, the building has seating capacity of 2500. A good percentage of the seats were filled. My family, who drove up from Scarsdale Saturday morning, picked out the perfect location for viewing the percussion section. The band was in fine form and Dr. Holsinger was in good spirits. Needless to say, my favorite piece was a series of fanfares that prominently featured the marimba. The performers were all pleased at the end; you could see it in their faces. The standing ovation from the audience was sustained (and very much welcome).

If there was anything bittersweet about my participation in the All-State concert, it’s that I’ll be hard pressed to have the opportunity to perform at such a high level with a group of musicians of this caliber.

This article was contributed by Scarsdale High School senior and instrumentalist Will Heffner, pictured above with Dr. David Holisnger. In addition to being Band President, Heffner is the VP of the Student Government, VP of the Drama Club, and member of the Varsity Tennis team. Two summers ago, he started a music program for Grace Church Community Center’s summer program for underprivileged children.