NYSSMA STRINGS FESTIVAL

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That's a wrap on the first All-County rehearsals of 2026! Bravo to all of the students who attended this evening- your hard work is paying off! Thank you to all of our incredible conductors, coordinators, chairs, accompanists, board members, and teacher chaperones for helping make tonight a success! Thank you to @whiteplainscityschooldistrict and @mamkmusic for hosting us!
Down-County festival is now open! All levels! No jazz, no piano, no guitar, no harp, and no strings I-IV. Festival details are below: May 8-9 Louis M. Klein Middle School 50 Union Ave Harrison, NY 10528
Meet this year's All-County Jazz conductors! Directing the “A” band will be acclaimed trombonist & composer Ed Neumeister. Ed is an icon in the world of big band and Jazz. He has taught and performed all over the world with such names as Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. Directing our “B” band will be saxophonist/music educator Nathan Childers. Nathan is an acclaimed saxophone player and @yamahamusicusa performing artist. He has performed on numerous Broadway shows and has been the lead alto sax in the renowned @birdlandjazz Big Band for over ten years.
Strings festival is now open! Please note this is for Strings I-IV, plus all levels harp and classical guitar. Festival details are below: April 24-25 Springhurst Elementary School 175 Walgrove Ave Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Piano festival is now open! Please note this is for CLASSICAL piano only - no jazz! Festival details are below: April 10-11 Walter Panas High School 300 Croton Ave Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
It is with deep sadness that I am writing with the news that WCSMA Past President William Eckfeld passed away January 17. It is impossible to fully summarize the breadth of Bill’s impact on music and music education in Westchester County. Bill logged countless hours as WCSMA’s Treasurer, a role in which he served with great distinction. He worked diligently behind-the-scenes to facilitate our financial health. His obituary notes his generosity, and Bill was extraordinarily generous to music education through the gift of his time. His generosity went beyond volunteerism; when I began my career in 2013, Bill readily and warmly welcomed me to Westchester County, and I have no doubt that he did the same for countless other new teachers over his decades of service. A distinguished artist, Bill most recently conducted the Excelsior Orchestra, which brings together vocational and avocational players. In the last ten years, he also shared his artistry with Westchester’s students as a pianist for Area All-State Orchestras and as a WCSMA All-County Orchestra guest conductor. Above all, Bill was a consummate educator. During his tenure at White Plains High School, his students were the recipients of his exceptional musicianship, warmth, and kindness. Bill touched the lives of all his students, always striving to inspire them to develop a life-long love of music. Bill is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Rebecca; his son Evan and daughter-in-law Liz; and his sister Barbara Osumi and her husband Eugene of Spokane. In lieu of flowers, in honor of Bill’s love for animals, especially his beloved Annie, donations may be made to @PawsCrossedNY Animal Shelter. While Bill’s legacy will undoubtedly positively impact music education in Westchester County for years to come, I know that all of us will dearly miss him. I have no doubt that this note is only the beginning of the extensive honoring of his legacy on the part of us as Westchester music educators. For now, please join me in sending love and light to Bill’s family and loved ones in the days, weeks, and months ahead. With deepest sympathy, Jon

March 2, 2026

Dear WCSMA Community,

I am writing to let you know that due to unpredictable weather conditions slated for tomorrow for Westchester County, and for the safety and well-being of all our participants and teachers, the WCSMA Board has decided to implement the snow day rehearsal date for the Elementary and Intermediate All-County Festival.

There remains a possibility that school districts, particularly in northern Westchester, could make a decision tomorrow to dismiss early or cancel after school activities.

Rehearsal will now take place on Thursday, March 5th, from 4-7 pm at White Plains High School.  As a reminder, students must be present for all rehearsals in order to participate in the festival.

We apologize for any and all inconvenience, and we thank you for your understanding.  We look forward to seeing students and teachers on Thursday!

 

Very sincerely,

Jon Riss, on behalf of the WCSMA Board

 

 
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