

NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, is the largest state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education. We hope that, in some small way, teachers, families and friends can find a way to celebrate the accomplishment of being selected to a New York All-State Ensemble.” “While this year’s festival will not be held, we believe it is important to acknowledge the musical efforts of those students who applied by recognizing their acceptance into our prestigious ensembles. “The selection process for the 2020 All-State ensembles are complete and students will be notified in August of their status,” said Dr.


Throughout NYSSMA’s history, the decision to cancel the All State Festival and Winter Conference has been made only twice: during the war years of 1943-45, and because of the 1991 ice storm that caused power outages throughout New York, including Kiamesha Lake’s Concord Hotel, site of that year’s festival. The announcement comes after officials decided the health and safety of 900 exceptional student-musicians and 2,000 music educators in attendance for professional development opportunities is of the utmost importance, and cannot be guaranteed as of this writing. The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) announced that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 All State Festival and Winter Conference, held annually at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, has been canceled. “He is being recognized as a new, innovative educator.Officials cite health and safety concerns for students and attendees in midst of COVID-19 pandemic “Andy Kittleson is a strong musician, educator and involved in his school community and the entire community at large.” Stated Dr. He also serves as the treasurer for the Wayne County Music Educator Association (WCMEA), is the president of the Neighborhood Acting Company and conducts the Kodak Concert Band. He has co-chaired and now chairs a solo-festival at Wayne Central. Outside of school, Kittleson is very involved with NYSSMA. He is also very involved with extracurricular music activities within the district, including serving as the director for the middle school musical and assistant director and pit conductor for the high school musical. Kittleson is the director for the seventh and eighth grade middle school bands at Wayne Central. This prestigious award is given to New York State music educators who have made significant contributions to music education while only having been in the field for five to nine years. Wayne Central Middle School music teacher, Andy Kittleson, received the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) Early Career Achievement Educator Award. Wayne Central Middle School Music Teacher Receives Prestigious Award
