A pair of Wantagh High School seniors were recognized for their exceptional vocal talents with selections to the New York State School Music Association’s 2023 All-State festival. Anthony Lerro will perform with the Mixed Chorus, and Sean Hill-Hotz was named an alternate.

NYSSMA’s winter conference will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Rochester. The All-State festival includes music showcases, workshops and performances. Anthony and Sean are both students of chorus teacher Sameerah Cassidy, and they are both tenors. 

Anthony is a vocalist in the Onora Le Voci honors chorus and A cappella choir, plays the alto saxophone in the honors band and jazz band, is vice president of the chorus and a member of the Tri-M Honor Society and the drama club. Last year, he had the starring role in “SpongeBob: the Musical.” Anthony has been active in musical theater since fifth grade, which gave him his start as a singer.

Sean has been in the chorus since elementary school and also was involved in musical theater a young age as a member of the local St. Frances Theatre Group. At Wantagh High School, he performs with Onora Le Voci and the A cappella choir, and is a member of the drama club and treasurer of the chorus. Additionally, he sings with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s Chamber Chorale. This is Sean’s second All-State selection. 

For their All-State auditions, Anthony performed “Serenata Gitana” by Miquel Sandoval and Sean chose “Widmung” by Robert Schumann. 

Ms. Cassidy, Wantagh High School Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone and Director of Fine and Performing Arts Kelly Jones congratulate Anthony and Sean on their accomplishment.