Three Greater Amsterdam School District students participated in the 2024 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Piano Festival, held March 14-15 at SUNY Schenectady Community College. The annual festival provides students the opportunity to perform solo pieces selected from the NYSSMA manual, which are organized into six levels of difficulty. Levels 1-4 are scored on a 28-point scale, while Levels 5-6 are scored on a 100-point scale.
Amsterdam High School senior Elio Pena performed a Level 6 solo, movements two and three of Maurice Ravel’s Sonatine in F# minor. Pena received a score of 99 and an A+ rating.
Curie fifth grader Lilyanna Palma performed a Level 2 solo, Franz Schubert’s Waltz in A Major. Palma earned a score of 26 out of 28, receiving an “Outstanding” rating. Curie third grader Emma Cetnar performed a Level 1 solo, The Evening Star by Timothy Brown, earning a score of 25 out of 28 with an “Excellent” rating.
The district recognizes the hard work and dedication of these students in preparing for their performances. Their participation in the festival highlights their commitment to musical achievement and represents the strength of GASD’s music program.
