Shoreham-Wading River Students Named to All-State
Three students from Shoreham-Wading River High School earned spots in the 2026 NYSSMA All-State Honors Ensembles.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Classical
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Three Shoreham-Wading River High School students have been selected for the prestigious 2026 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Honors Ensembles. The group will travel to Rochester to perform at the upcoming All-State Winter Conference.
Why it matters
Selection for the All-State ensembles represents a significant achievement for high school musicians, marking them as some of the top performers in the state of New York. This participation provides the students with the opportunity to work with renowned conductors and perform alongside peers from across the region.
Three students from Shoreham-Wading River High School were selected for the 2026 NYSSMA All-State ensembles. These musicians were chosen through a rigorous competitive process from a field of high school participants throughout New York.
The players
Kai Hidaka
He is a junior at Shoreham-Wading River High School who was selected to perform as a violinist in the All-State String Orchestra.
Spencer Lee
He is a senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School chosen to perform as a cellist in the All-State String Orchestra.
Kate McQuade
She is a senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School selected as a soprano 1 for the All-State Mixed Choir.
New York State School Music Association
This is the professional organization that oversees music education standards and coordinates the All-State Honors Ensembles in New York.
The details
The selected students include junior violinist Kai Hidaka and senior cellist Spencer Lee, who both earned spots in the All-State String Orchestra. Senior Kate McQuade was also selected to perform as a soprano 1 in the All-State Mixed Choir.
Timeline
Dec. 3 to 6, 2026, marks the NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference in Rochester.
Industry Dynamics
The selection of these students highlights the competitive landscape of elite high school music programs in New York state. These programs serve as a critical pipeline for students pursuing higher education in music and performing arts at the collegiate level.
Attendees and family members can access the performances held during the December conference in Rochester. The event serves as a showcase for high-level musical talent within the state educational system.
The takeaway
These students demonstrate the high caliber of musical education currently supported within the Shoreham-Wading River district. Participation in state-level ensembles acts as a major milestone for young musicians looking to refine their skills before entering conservatory or university programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the regional arts community in New York Classical.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Riverhead News Review.
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