Herricks High School proudly announces that 30 of its talented student-musicians have been recognized by the New York State School Music Association for the 2026 All-State Music Festival. Seventeen students have been selected as All-State performers, while an additional 13 students have been named alternates for this prestigious event, which will be held this December in Rochester, New York.

Selection to the All-State Festival represents one of the highest musical honors for a school musician in New York State. To earn this distinction, students must be members in good standing of their Herricks ensembles and achieve an outstanding score during a rigorous audition process that includes a solo performance, sight-reading and scales before a certified adjudicator. More than 6,000 high school sophomores and juniors audition each year, with only a select group chosen to participate.

The Herricks students selected as All-State performers are:

• Samuel Babayev (Bassoon)
• Evelyn Chou (Violin)
• Miles Cohen (Tenor)
• Ava Hsiao (Bassoon)
• Shawna Huang (Violin)
• Grace Kang (Viola)
• Skylar Kiang (Piccolo)
• Aaizah Lakhani (Alto)
• Matthew Liu (Cello)
• Rohan Nair (Bass)
• Dianne Noh (Viola)
• Samaira Singh (Soprano)
• Nathan Tan (Violin)
• Claud Tung (Trombone)
• Aashna Venkatesh (Soprano)
• Emma Wang (Flute)
• Peony Wu (Piano)

Students selected as All-State alternates are:

• Aarini Chakraborty (Soprano)
• Theodore Chang (Flute)
• Griffin Chiu (Jazz-Drum Set)
• Regina Choi (Flute)
• Naman Gupta (Tenor)
• Evan Kim (Jazz Guitar)
• Teagan Lau (Violin)
• Claire Lee (Cello)
• Zachary Maiman (Euphonium)
• Mia Paul (Soprano)
• Harshil Pippwala (Alto Saxophone)
• Ashley Simons (Cello and Jazz Alto Saxophone)
• Christie Yang (Violin)

This achievement reflects the dedication and excellence of the entire Herricks music program, which has supported students' musical growth throughout their educational journey. The students are currently under the direction of high school music educators Scott Stickley, Louise O'Hanlon, Catherine Birke and James Ludwig.

While in Rochester, the students will rehearse and perform with nationally recognized conductors in elite ensembles, including symphonic band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra and mixed choir. Their participation places them among the finest young musicians in New York State and highlights the continued strength of the Herricks music program.

Congratulations to all the students recognized for this exceptional achievement.