The District congratulates seven high school student-musicians who were selected to perform with the 2026 Long Island String Festival Association at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School this semester. These talented students were selected on a competitive basis, with New York State School Music Association scores as the main criteria along with teacher recommendations. 

Congratulations to Alexis Cordano, Kai Hidaka, Spencer Lee, Zachary Lister, Clara Pedersen, Aiden Weng and Mia Wentz who were instructed by high school orchestra teacher Ashley O’Connor. 

Additionally, 12 Albert G. Prodell Middle School student-musicians in grades 6-8, under the baton of instructor Fred Volz, were also selected to perform at LISFA this winter. Evelyn Lauckhardt (cello), John Lister (cello), Emmett Stadler (double bass), Aidan Thomas (violin), Elliot Thomas (cello) and Erin Weng (violin) participated in the sixth grade orchestra. Seventh and eighth grade orchestra participants also included James Klein (cello), Ailie Korsakas (violin),  Griffin Schwartz (violin), Owen Schwartz (viola), Sophia Tishchenko (cello) and Alexis Yau (violin).  

The district congratulates the students on this outstanding academic accomplishment and extends best wishes for success in their future music endeavors.