Johnstown student musicians selected for NYS Band Directors Association Honor Band
Junior Nicole Simon selected for baritone saxophone; Senior Cece D’Amore named an alternate for bassoon
Johnstown junior, Nicole Simon
Baritone saxophone player Nicole Simon, a junior at Johnstown Sr. High School, was selected to be a member of the NYS Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Honor Band. Additionally, Johnstown senior Cece D’Amore was chosen as an Honor Band alternate on the bassoon. This marks the first time in over six years that a Johnstown student musician has been selected to participate in the prestigious band.
“I am extremely proud of these two young ladies and the hard work they put in this past spring on their NYSSMA All-State solos,” Johnstown High School Band Teacher Andy LaCoppola said. “I know they will represent Johnstown in the most positive way with their participation.”
NYSBDA is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to providing enrichment experiences for band teachers, enhancing the quality of instrumental music programs, and providing high quality performance opportunities for outstanding music students in the state of NY. Their annual Honor Band includes an esteemed group of student-musicians selected from all over New York state — from Long Island to Buffalo. Participants in this year’s Honor Band will rehearse in-person during the weekend of March 4-6 in Syracuse, with a concert slated for Sunday, March 6, 2022.
In addition to her impressive musical skills, Ms. Simon also excels in the classroom and in athletics. Her overall GPA currently stands at a 94.32 and she has been named to the high honor roll every quarter during her three years at Johnstown Senior High School. Simon is also a three-season athlete at Johnstown as a member of the lacrosse, field hockey and nordic ski teams. She is a member of the jazz band at Johnstown. Simon has played the baritone saxophone for eight years and also plays the piano and clarinet. She is the daughter of David and Shari Simon.
Johnstown senior, Cece D’Amore
As a member of the class of 2022, Ms. D’Amore has participated in several different musical groups during her time at Johnstown Senior High School, including jazz band, pep/marching band, Music for the Mind and theatre/drama club. She has played the bassoon for six years, and also plays the trombone, flute, clarinet, bass guitar and noodles on the piano. D’Amore is also a member of Masterminds, hiking club and National Honor Society. Her GPA currently stands at 95.38 and she has been named to high honor roll every quarter throughout her four years at Johnstown Senior High School. Outside of school, she performs with the Gloversville Community Band and the Saratoga Youth Symphony Orchestra. D’Amore plans to attend Franklin & Marshall College in the fall, with an interest in the Arts. She is the daughter of Virginia and David D’Amore.
