Eleven student musicians in the West Hempstead School District participated in the Nassau Music Educators Association’s All-County ensembles. Students were able to showcase their talents at numerous concerts last month.
All-County selection represents one of the highest achievements in music for students. Performers are chosen based on their scores at the New York State School Music Association Solo Evaluation Festival and teacher recommendations.
West Hempstead Secondary School’s All-County students include Benjamin Mora, Elijah Woods, Nalah Vargas, Victoria Hasan, Luke Filinicieri, Jaclyn Luong, Kayla Wallack, Emma Pearlman, and Avery O'Reilly. George Washington School’s All-County students are Lena Cheuk and Isabella Llanos.
In addition to their All-County accomplishment, four West Hempstead students were also selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association’s festivals. The district’s LISFA students include West Hempstead Secondary School students Christian Dominguez, Luke Filinicieri, and Grace Shanley, and George Washington School student Valentina Imperioli. The West Hempstead Board of Education also honored the student musicians during its Jan. 20 board meeting.
The district commends all of its aspiring musicians who were recognized by the NMEA and LISFA.
Photo captions:
1: West Hempstead Secondary School’s 2026 Nassau Music Educators Association All-County and Long Island String Festival Association musicians. Also pictured is West Hempstead Secondary School orchestra teacher Dan DiPasquale, far right, band teacher Ben Coleman, second from left, and Laila Sales, the district’s director of fine, performing, and culinary arts, far left.
2: George Washington School’s 2026 Nassau Music Educators Association All-County musicians Lena Cheuk, center, Isabella Llanos, second from left, and Long Island String Festival Association musician Valentina Imperioli, second from right. Also pictured is George Washington band teacher Wayne Heckler and orchestra teacher Francesca Russo.
Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District
