Header Top

Ursuline Choirs strike Gold and Silver at NYSSMA Majors

Ursuline Choirs strike Gold and Silver at NYSSMA Majors

by Shannon Dufresne
 

May 29, 2025, was a symphony of excitement, fluttering nerves, and unforgettable harmony as two of Ursuline’s gifted choir ensembles stepped into the spotlight at the NYSSMA Majors Festival. This prestigious showcase highlights the finest voices in school choral music across New York State.

Held annually each spring and sponsored by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), this festival is no ordinary concert. Doctorates in choral music and university professors evaluate a wide range of choral criteria, creating a space where preparation meets passion and every note counts. Ursuline delivered big!

Middle School Choir – GOLD Rating!
Directed by Performing Arts Chair Mrs. Rosemary Clarizio ‘89, Ursuline’s Middle School Choir performed with poise and heart. Singing level 3 repertoire from the NYSSMA Manual, their sound was warm, unified, and impressively polished. As the first note rang out, confidence took center stage.

With trained adjudicators listening carefully for tone, pitch accuracy, rhythm, and overall musicianship, the Middle School Choir rose to the challenge, earning a well-deserved Gold Rating. Their performance reflected talent, heart, and the choral curriculum taught throughout the academic year.

Middle School Choir members delighted to receive Gold!


High School Choir – SILVER Rating!
Later that morning, the High School Choir, under the passionate direction of Mr. Sylvain Falipou-Karkari, conductor, showcased their musical maturity with a performance of level 4 repertoire, music that demands nuance, strength, and precision. The group’s harmonies were rich, their rhythm tight, and their expression moving. They earned a Silver Rating, recognizing their strong performance, with valuable feedback from judges that will help shape their continued growth as an ensemble.

High School Choir takes the stage at NYSSMA Majors Festival, May 29, 2025.


NYSSMA Majors provides students with a rare opportunity to perform in a formal, high-stakes setting and receive feedback from experts specializing in choral excellence. For Ursuline’s choirs, it was a moment to rise together, support one another, and represent their school with pride and passion. Bravo to our Middle School and High School Choirs and their dedicated conductors, Mrs. Clarizio and Mr. Falipou-Karkari. Your talents lift more than just melodies—they lift spirits.

 

  • Performing Arts

More Connections

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow