Two Seniors Selected to All-National Musical Ensembles

Two Longwood High School seniors have been selected to perform alongside top-performing high school musicians across the nation in the 2022 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Concert Band. Michael Gallagher, bassoon, and Michael Varacchi, saxophone, are among only 41 selected from New York State and only 12 chosen from Suffolk County.

Students were selected based on eligibility requirements set by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), including an audition video, selection to and participation in the 2021 All-State Conference held in Rochester, and the highest score of 100 on their adjudicated solo last spring.

"These dedicated and talented students are two of the most elite high school musicians, and it's an honor to have them represent Longwood on the national stage," said Dr. John J. Gallagher, Longwood's director of music and fine arts. "Over the years, we have watched them grow as musicians through outstanding performances in many of our ensembles and the county- and state-wide festivals. We're very proud!"

The students will learn from internationally-renowned conductors over a three-day festival at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland from November 3 - 6, 2022.