News Detail

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MARCH 3, 2022) — Seven Williamsport Area High School students earned their seats through competitive auditions to perform with the 2022 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s (PMEA) All-State Ensembles, the highest level a high school musician can achieve.

Those students won the following spots:

• Chase Bower, Tenor 1, All-State Choir
• Olivia Ciabattari, Alto 1, All-State Choir
• Lydia Hall, Soprano 1, All-State Choir
• Michael Harry, Tenor 2, All-State Choir
• Benjamin Manetta, Oboe, All-State Wind Ensemble
• Sam Radulski, String-Bass, All-State Orchestra
• Sydney Smith, Alto 1, All-State Choir

Auditions took place in January and February for each division.

Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area. Individually, students perform for a panel of judges. Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions. The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.

“We commend the student musicians that are part of the 2022 PMEA All-State Festival,” commented PMEA President and retired music educator Phil Stattel. “We know the past two years have been challenging for all students and for these students to work through the challenges to perform at the highest level is to be celebrated.”

“We appreciate the opportunity that PMEA provides our students to showcase their passion for music by competing at the highest level in Pennsylvania," said WAHS Head Principal Dr. Brandon Pardoe.  "Our music program is established and continues to shine due to the commitment of our students, faculty and school district.”   

The group of WAHS winners will join their fellow high school musicians from across the Commonwealth to play during this year’s All-State Conference and Festival from April 6-9 at Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in the Poconos. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance.

Learn more about the event and the guest conductors by clicking here.

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Pictured at back from left: Sam Radulski, Chase Bower, Michael Harry, Benjamin Manetta and Lydia Hall. At front from left: Olivia Ciabattari and Sydney Smith.