Three JEHS students qualify for Area All-State music festival

Three freshmen from Jordan-Elbridge High School qualified to participate in the mixed chorus at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Jr. High Area All-State festival held at Cortland Jr./Sr. High School from Nov. 3 and 4.

The students include Clara Derby, Cassandra Gates and Nicholas Webster.

Students who attended and performed at a NYSSMA festival last year were eligible to apply, and the scores from that festival were used to select the musicians. The November festival draws students from seven counties.

Music teacher Ryan Sparkes – who worked with the students while they were at the middle school – called them “very deserving” of the honor.

“They worked very hard and were chosen. We are very proud of them,” he said.

Derby said this shows her that her hard work has paid off.

“I’ve been an active part of the music department for five years, so this is very exciting,” she said.