Nicholas Russell is the first Dunkirk student chosen to be in the All-Eastern Orchestra.

A Dunkirk High School senior will be participating in the All-Eastern Orchestra.

Nicholas Russell was chosen as one of 719 of the finest high school musicians from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont for his acceptance into the NAfME 2021 All-Eastern Honor Ensembles. It is a first for the Dunkirk City School District.

The son of Linda Russell of Dunkirk, he was chosen as one of the percussionists for All-Eastern Orchestra. These musicians were selected from 1,150 all-state applicants and ranked by their state presidents to fill five ensembles.

The Orchestra (165), Symphonic Band (146), Mixed Chorus (270), Treble Chorus (120) and Jazz Ensemble (18), will be participating in a “Virtual Weekend” experience starting March 4 that will include keynote speakers, masterclasses with professional musicians, rehearsals with their conductors as well as opportunities to learn and network with colleges and universities of various types and participate in mock auditions.

This non-traditional and unique experience will be very different from the in-person rehearsals and concerts that have, in the past, coincided with the NAfME Eastern Division biennial conference.

This year, students will individually record their performance from home led by a virtual performance of their conductor. The recordings will be edited together to produce a virtual ensemble for the concert performance. The concert will be premiered on April 23rd at 8:30 p.m. during the designated concert hour at the 57th NAfME Eastern Division Virtual In-Service Conference.

Russell has been chosen for numerous honor ensembles over the years including NYSSMA Conference All-State Orchestra, NYSSMA Zone I Area All-States for both band and orchestra and CCMTA Spring and Winter All-County Festivals for Junior, Senior Bands and Jazz Ensemble.

He plans on attending college for percussion performance.