What is All-County?
The All-County music festival is an annual celebration of outstanding young musicians in Nassau County in grades four through 12. According to the NMEA website, it is an opportunity for students to be rewarded for their individual success on their instrument or voice. Students selected perform in high-level ensembles (band, orchestra, chorus, jazz and vocal jazz) alongside peers from many school districts. Concerts are held in January at venues including the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville.
“All County is a wonderful opportunity for music students to celebrate their accomplishments and build community with students all across Nassau.” director of orchestras and teacher of chamber music Dr. Noh said. “By performing with high-level peers, students learn and grow as musicians and as people.”
How are students selected?
Selection for All-County begins with nomination by a student’s school music teacher; no student may apply independently. Eligibility typically rests on a strong performance in the prior year’s solo or ensemble adjudication by the New York State School Music Association (N.Y.S.S.M.A.) and the recommendation of the teacher. After nominations, a committee reviews candidates based on criteria that include NYSSMA scores, instrument balance and repertoire needs. Once selected, students receive a folder with their music and a commitment form around October.
“It’s remarkable how many of our students qualified to be accepted into All County,” department chair and director of vocal music Dr. Levy said. “It speaks volumes about their dedication, talent and preparation for their solo pieces for N.Y.S.S.M.A. The department and music teachers, myself, Dr. Noh and Mr. Fuschetto, could not be more proud of their accomplishments.
What the experience entails
All accepted students must attend all rehearsals, and missing a rehearsal disqualifies a student from performing. They receive pre-assignment music and rehearse intensively in the days leading up to the concert. The audition process for All County varies by ensemble. Jazz band auditions are typically held earlier in the summer, around July, to allow conductors to select musicians well in advance. Orchestra members, on the other hand, auction for their seating placement during the first day of rehearsals, performing excerpts for a panel of judges.
The schedules for each ensemble are grouped by division (grade level) and ensemble type. These rehearsals are four hours long, with 30-minute dinner breaks, and are held three times during the week of the final concert. At the end of the rehearsal period, the musicians perform in a concert at a major venue for an audience of peers, parents, and community members.
But apart from the hours of practice, suspense of auditions and intense scheduling, All County is also a shared experience that builds community across schools. Participation in All-County is more than just a performance opportunity. It allows students to connect with passionate peers across the county, work under experienced conductors and experience preparation and discipline at a level beyond their school ensembles.
Students from North High and South High travel together by bus to and from rehearsals, and the roughly hour-long rides each way have become a highlight for many participants. The bus rides offer a chance for students from both schools, and from different sections of the ensembles, to connect and bond outside the classroom. Conversations, shared playlists and group games make the rides part of the All-County experience.
“I’ve done all county 3 times, and I’ve always liked the feeling of performing with a much larger and skilled ensemble that the school doesn’t have to offer.” senior Ethan Lam said. “The performance hall really brings out the sounds of all the instruments well, and performing on stage makes all the rehearsals feel worth it. But the main highlight for me were the bus rides to and from rehearsals since I got a chance to fool around with my friends and catch up with other friends from south.”
Once at rehearsals, students meet peers from across Nassau County who share their passion for music. Many participants describe the atmosphere as both inspiring and welcoming. The collective energy of rehearsing and performing with talented musicians and conductors from all over the county makes the experience invaluable.
At North High, music educators and students are preparing for the 2026 All-County performance. The school has enjoyed consistent participation in previous years and strives to send a robust group for 2026.
Between the long practices and final performances, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. For many, the friendships formed and memories made throughout bus rides and rehearsals become just as meaningful as the music itself.
