Here’s a press release from Katonah-Lewisboro schools:

“Each spring, thousands of students audition a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) level 6 solo for a rating from a certified judge. The audition results are forwarded to a statewide selection committee and a proficiency list is generated, from which students are selected for All-State participation.

“For the first time, the Katonah-Lewisboro School District is proud to send John Jay High School junior Mario Buccellati, for his work composing “There is No Song Here,” which will be featured at the 74th NYSSMA All-State Annual Winter Conference in Rochester, New York, from December 3-6, 2009.

Student composer Mario Buccellati, courtesy of Katonah-Lewisboro schools

“Last June, Mario submitted his composition to NYSSMA as a result of his work in the Music Technology program at JJHS. Hundreds of electronic compositions were submitted, and his was one of only eleven selected from throughout the state. While at the conference, Mario will participate in several composition workshops, including working with composer-in-residence, Joan Tower.

“Additionally, Mario is an experienced vocalist as a three-year member of the all-male a cappella group, The Rolling Tones, and John Jay’s Chorale and Vocal Jazz ensembles.

“When asked about his most recent accomplishment Mario replied, “Being accepted into All-State for the composition that I wrote in Music Tech is a great feeling of achievement. The music department is always a fun and welcoming place, and one class where I can really connect is Music Technology. It has changed me as a composer by challenging me to write in a variety of styles.”
Currently, with the assistance of Performing Arts and Music Technology teacher Ms. Amy M. Geiger, Mario is collaborating with Erik Perry to write a musical to be performed at John Jay High School in 2011.”