Alyssa Shimmel, a Jamestown High School senior, was recently selected for the NYSSMA Conference All-State Wind Ensemble, which consists of the best high school musicians in New York state.

Alyssa was one of two tubas chosen for the ensemble. This year, the group performed virtually. Students practiced at home, attended Zoom rehearsals, and recorded and submitted their parts. The individual recordings were then assembled into a virtual performance.

“Alyssa is an outstanding student. She has always been a reliable, responsible and valuable member of the JHS Concert Band, but this year she has flourished,” said Megan Murray, JHS band director. “Alyssa has worked extremely hard to prepare for multiple college auditions, which included preparing scales, etudes, multiple movement solos, orchestral excerpts, and sight reading. She has served as an integral part of our ensemble rehearsals while under COVID restrictions. While most JHS students attend school every other day, Alyssa has volunteered to play in our ensemble every day, which, being a tuba player, is extremely helpful to the rest of the group. I am extremely proud of how hard she has worked to get to this point!”

Alyssa has played tuba in the JHS Concert Band for four years. She has committed to attend the State University at Fredonia’s School of Music in the fall to continue her music career.