Four students from John C. Birdlebough High School recently accepted invitations to be participants or alternates in the 2025 New York State School Music Association All-State Performing Ensembles.

The musical showcase, scheduled for Dec. 4–7 in Rochester, features select students from school districts throughout the state. Phoenix will be represented by Helena Jandzio, Mirabella Beerman, Isabella Whitehead and William MacDonald. Jandzio, Beerman and Whitehead will participate in the chorus ensemble, and MacDonald will be on standby as an alternate for the band ensemble.

These students will join about 900 others from across New York state for what the association describes as “a musical experience of a lifetime.” All invitees went through a months-long selection process to qualify for this honor, including receiving recommendations from their music teachers. They will spend the next few months preparing for the showcase with their music teachers and working to perfect the details of their music.

Photo Caption – From left to right: Helena Jandzio, Isabella Whitehead, Mirabella Beerman, William MacDonald