Three Hendrick Hudson High School Students Attend All-State Music Festival

Hendrick Hudson High School is proud to acknowledge three student musicians who achieved one of the highest accolades a high school musician can achieve. Earlier this month, these three young musicians attended the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Music Festival in Rochester.

Senior Alexandra Numeroff and junior Aydan Akhtar were selected as members of the All-State Mixed Choir, and junior Addison Valentino served as a member of the All-State Treble Choir. Additionally, senior Liam Crook and junior Henry Ridder were accepted as alternates for the All-State Mixed Choir. 

Each year, thousands of high school musicians prepare to be adjudicated on their NYSSMA solos. If the student receives a perfect score on a Level 6 NYSSMA solo — Level 6 is the highest level — they are then recommended by the judge for the NYSSMA All-State Conference.

The festival took place from Dec. 4-7, and the three students traveled to Rochester with teacher Erica Denler. Throughout the event, the students had an opportunity to practice and perform alongside the best singers from across the state.

“All-State was a fantastic experience,” Akhtar said. “It provided an opportunity to connect with other students and share our love for music. Taking part in the festival required experienced musical understanding and precision.”

The students rehearsed 12 hours each day under the direction of renowned conductors, and then performed a concert at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Kodak Theater, one of the most renowned concert venues in the country.

“It is exciting every year to bring our amazingly talented Hen Hud students to All-State,” Mrs. Denler said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these young men and women will carry with them forever! I am so pleased to teach in a district that fully supports the arts and happily provides our students with these incredible opportunities.”