Eastport-South Manor Musicians Earn Statewide Honors

Two Eastport-South Manor student musicians are hitting a high note after earning recognition from one of New York’s most prestigious school music programs.

Logan Penkower and Jack Gallagher were recognized through the New York State School Music Association’s 2026 Conference All-State program, which brings together accomplished high school musicians from across the state.

Penkower was selected for the All-State Mixed Chorus as a tenor 1 and will travel to Rochester for the 2026 NYSSMA Winter Conference.

Gallagher earned two perfect scores of 100 during his NYSSMA solo auditions, one in percussion and another for his bass 1 vocal solo.

Those performances earned him alternate selections for both the All-State Band and All-State Chorus.

The school district said more than 6,800 students statewide auditioned for All-State honors this year.

NYSSMA describes its Conference All-State ensembles as honors groups composed of top students from school music programs across New York. Approximately 825 students are selected annually for the All-State performing groups, which include bands, choruses, orchestras and jazz ensembles.

The recognition adds to a sizable music program at Eastport-South Manor. District statistics show 516 students participate in 48 performing groups spanning grades four through 12. The district also lists dozens of students earning All-County recognition. Eastport-South Manor Schools.

Penkower will join other All-State musicians for several days of intensive rehearsals culminating in performances during the annual conference.

This year's event marks NYSSMA's 90th annual Winter Conference and will run Dec. 3-6 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. All-State concerts are held in Rochester during the conference.

For Penkower, the trip means taking the stage alongside some of New York's accomplished student vocalists. For Gallagher, the pair of perfect audition scores resulted in recognition in two separate musical disciplines, instrumental percussion and voice.