Fox Lane’s Chamber Orchestra Receives Effusive Praise at the NYSSMA Majors

"There are very few schools in the state that are performing and competing at such an advanced level of difficulty."

This was an adjudicator comment Fox Lane High School’s Chamber Orchestra recently received when they participated in the (New York State School Music Association) NYSSMA Majors. For the fifth year in a row, the group earned a Gold level six, the highest medal with the highest level of difficulty.

"All students within the ensemble exhibited strength through the performance,” was another comment. “From the front to the back, the sections executed a highly skilled and expressive collaborative performance."

By all accounts, it was an outstanding performance.

"The Fox Lane High School Chamber Orchestra presented one of its finest performances at this year's NYSSMA Majors,” director Janine Bergamini said. “I could not be prouder to be the director of this exceptional group of students."

The Chamber Orchestra and Bergamini have worked incredibly hard to reach this level of excellence.

“I feel extremely proud of our group and the orchestra program as a whole, and I know that our high scores are a testament to our continuous work and dedication,” said senior Meghana Uday. “Each of us brings something unique to the ensemble, and I believe that makes our group very special. Much of our success is also thanks to Mrs. Bergamini, whose commitment to her students and excellence in teaching has inspired us to continually grow as musicians.”

Her fellow senior, Liliana Kimble, feels similarly.

“It feels great to look back at the work we have put in throughout these last four years. I feel such pride to have been part of this high-level ensemble for so long and am so proud of all of us,” she said. “I think our success comes from Mrs. Bergamini constantly pushing us to be our best selves. Her dedication to the arts is truly inspiring.”

Meghana and Liliana also agree that they will really miss the community the Chamber Orchestra provided when they move on at the end of this school year.

“Chamber orchestra is a very tight-knit community, considering all we have been through together, and I will miss the fun and supportive environment we have created,” Liliana said. 

Meghana noted that some of her most important friendships grew from Chamber Orchestra.

“I will always cherish the memories I have made through orchestra,” she said. “I will miss Mrs. Bergamini, who has been such an important mentor throughout my high school experience. She has always been someone I could turn to for guidance and encouragement, and the lessons she’s taught me, both musically and personally, will stay with me throughout college and beyond.”

Congratulations to all of the stellar musicians who took part: Erin Adams, Rachel Agenllo, Nora Antonaccio, Anushka Arvind, Keilyn Barrientos Martinez, Eliana Chiariello, Andrew Cosetti, Clare Dorgan, Leilani Foirini, Dominic Gorham, Suzuki Herzog, Lily Kimble, Rebecca Kolb, Hades Laskaris, Sam Liu, Sadie Massaro, David Matz, Aggie Mazurek, Tyler Nakajima-Graham, Allison Panjon, Felix Suiu, Chase Tynan, Meg Uday, Emma Xiong and Isabella Zapsky.