CVCS was proud to have 20 instrumental students and four vocal students participate in the virtual NYSSMA festival recently.

Instrumental students recorded their solos and scales, which were uploaded to a specially designed platform and evaluated by a certified NYSSMA adjudicator. Vocal students uploaded a vocal solo to be rated. There are six levels of increasing difficulty within the NYSSMA rating system, and students must perform from a specific list of solos that have been assigned difficulty levels.

In 6th Grade, a rating of Outstanding was earned by all students, with three students earning perfect scores. These students included James Mullen (level 2 alto saxophone); Jocelyn Wintersteen (level alto saxophone); Skyler Szablewski (level 1 euphonium); Connor Main (level 1 trumpet); and Angelica Mullen (level 2 trumpet).

At the Middle School level, students received Excellent and Outstanding ratings. These students included Grant Zahm (level 2 trombone); Gia Knott (level 1 flute); Naomi Johnson (level 3 trumpet); Shea Richerson (level 2 violin); Ariana Main (level 3 clarinet); Charlotte Couchman (back: level 2 trumpet); Addison Helwig (front:level 1 flute); Hailey Myers (level 2 trumpet); and Ariana Main (level 3 clarinet).

From the Cassadaga Valley High School, students received Good through Outstanding ratings. Two students performed on both their instrument and voice. Students that participated included Nicholas Denslow (level 6 voice); Grace Zahm (level 6 voice); Matthew Helwig (level 5 trumpet & level 6 voice); Haydn Myers (level 5 snare drum); Gavin Blake (level 6 voice); Kira Smith (level 4 tuba), Kaylie Main (level 5 flute & level 6 voice); Brooke Jasinski (level 6 voice); and Alyzza Zuech (level 5 flute) and Caden Frost (level 4 French horn).