Being able to perform at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All State is no small accomplishment, and two musicians from Hoosick Falls High School recently did so. Senior Darrell Holovach and junior Devin Weingold both were selected to perform as part of Area All State in Saratoga Springs on November 21, 2015.
[private]
The selection process for Area All State began last spring, when both students performed at NYSSMA Solo Festival. Students must perform an All-State level (the highest level) solo at the festival, and then be placed according to musical ability.
Holovach, who has been playing since fifth grade, played bass clarinet for the performance. He described his participation as “basically like putting you in a college experience.” Holovach explained, “It is as if you’re in a band where all of the members are music majors.” This is the third time Holovach has played at Area All State, and he is the first Hoosick Falls student to attend three times consecutively in over a decade.
Weingold played trumpet for the performance, and it was his first time going to Area All State. “To be able to perform with so many talented musicians is an honor. Not only did I have fun, but I learned ways to be a better trumpet player.” Devin is the first trumpet player Hoosick Falls has sent to Area All State in nearly 20 years.
Weingold began playing trumpet in fifth grade, but that wasn’t his first choice. “I ended up playing trumpet because they didn’t have a saxophone.” However, trumpet worked out well, as his father is a trumpet player. “My father was thrilled. Now that I actually have some skills on trumpet, I play in the Community Band with him.” Weingold now owns five trumpets.
High School music teacher Rob Allen said, “I’m glad that the talent and hard work of these students is being recognized, and that they are getting the experience of playing in a group full of immensely talented students from all across the Capital Region. Area All State is very difficult to get into.”
Allen also said, “We’ve had students in Area All State for several years consecutively now, and each new student to participate serves as a great model for the next generation of students.”
Not only is Allen proud of these students, but he also pointed out the inspiration they are to other students. “They leave behind them a legacy of how to play their instrument, of how to lead their section, providing fine examples of tone, talent, service, and musicianship for the others to hear and see.”
Both students play multiple instruments. Holovach plays three regularly (bass clarinet, clarinet, and tenor sax). He is also fluent in all saxophones, as well as piano. Weingold also plays four instruments regularly (trumpet, French horn, baritone saxophone, and piano). He is learning how to play baritone this year.
Darrell Holovach and Devin Weingold are well-known in the Hoosick community. Holovach plays on the varsity soccer team, is in Drama Club, a member of the North Hoosick Fire Department, and also in the National Honor Society. Weingold plays varsity football, and is also in the drama club. Both students play in the Fort Crailo Yankee Doodle Band and the Hoosick Community Band, as well as the pep band and jazz band at the school.
Holovach, who is a senior, plans to pursue a career in music education. He is presently applying to colleges.
“It has given the other students a great goal to shoot for, and has helped to inspire so many others,” Allen said. “This accomplishment allows us to maintain the high level of playing and positive culture we have here in the performing arts at our school.”[/private]