The 2024 Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA) All-County Music Festival showcased the outstanding musical talents of over 100 Port Washington School District students at the prestigious Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.  

The annual event is held over multiple days and brings together advanced musicians from various schools across Nassau County to celebrate the culmination of hard work, dedication, and artistic excellence.  

Director of Creative Arts, Kevin Scully expressed his pride as Port Washington set a new record with the largest number of students selected for the festival.  Scully attributed this accomplishment to the unwavering commitment of the faculty, acknowledging their efforts in NYSSMA preparation, extra help sessions, and the meticulous process of nominating the students.

“The festival was a very interesting experience seeing the different schools perform,” said senior Anastasia Theodropoulous.

Port Washington students captivated the audience with performances in five distinct divisions based on grade levels—Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Band.  The diverse range of musical genres highlighted the versatility and depth of talent within the Port Washington School District.  

Individual achievements were celebrated as students from the elementary schools and Weber and Schreiber were recognized for their exceptional contributions.  Notable mentions included students from across all seven Port Washington schools, including the five elementary schools.

In a heartfelt message, the organizers expressed gratitude to the entire community involved in making the festival a resounding success.  From executive board members to volunteers, guest conductors to clinicians, and host sites to college helpers, their collective efforts created an unforgettable experience for nearly 4,000 music students countywide.  The challenges faced during the festival were overcome through collaboration, determination, and a shared passion for music.  

“I really think that the NMEA really cares about our music programs and truly values music as an art,” said senior Aine Hasset.

The Nassau Music Educators Association’s mission to enrich school music programs and empower members through collaboration and professional development was evident.  The event not only showcased the talents of individual students but also highlighted the collective impact of a community dedicated to fostering a love for music education.  The 2024 NMEA All County Music Festival stands as a testament to the thriving music culture within the Port Washington School District.  The remarkable achievements, record-breaking participation, and expressions of gratitude underscore the significance of music in education and the power of a united community in nurturing the next generation of musicians.

“This experience has allowed me to focus on how music makes me feel, how to listen and respond to others through jazz, and find connections with iconic musicians through their music,” said senior Eve Siff-Scherr.