Koopman Selected for Conference All-State Symphonic Band

Akron Central High School senior Whitley Koopman has been selected to perform with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Conference All-State Symphonic Band, one of the highest honors a high school musician can achieve in New York State.

More than 6,500 students auditioned last spring for a coveted position in one of NYSSMA’s All-State vocal or instrumental ensembles; only 900 are chosen statewide. After several days of intensive rehearsals, Koopman will perform with the Conference All-State Symphonic Band at NYSSMA’s 84th Annual Winter Conference, held at the Eastman Theater in Rochester, New York, on December 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Selection to the All-State ensembles involves a rigorous process of auditions, adjudication, recommendations, and statewide ranking. Students must perform Level VI solos – the most advanced in the NYSSMA repertoire – and must earn a perfect 100 to be considered. Koopman auditioned on multiple percussion and snare drum, earning perfect scores on both.

Koopman is one of only a few exceptional musicians in Akron Schools’ history to receive this prestigious honor. She joins a select group of Akron students who have earned All-State recognition in prior years, including Evelyn Hochreiter ’20 (Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Alto), Kaitlyn Stachowiak ’15 (Symphony Orchestra, Bassoon), and Leah Bisson ’14 (Women’s Chorus).

 “Whitley constantly strives for perfection in all that she does,” said Mr. Brendon Bardo, Director of Concert Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Band at Akron High School. “It is a great honor that is truly deserved for one of the hardest working students I know.”

Koopman’s musical achievements extend beyond All-State recognition. She has been consistently accepted into ECMEA and NYSSMA ensembles each year since middle school and was awarded the Ovation Award during the school’s Washington, D.C. trip – an honor given to a student who demonstrates exceptional character and service beyond musical performance. She performs at a high level across the Akron music program, contributing to the marching band, jazz band, orchestra, and musical pit ensemble. Whitley also studies with Mr. Christopher Taylor in private lessons.

For more information about NYSSMA’s programs or to purchase tickets to the All-State concert, visit www.nyssma.org  To learn more about the Akron Schools music program, visit www.akronschools.org/music or contact Mr. Brendon Bardo, Music Director, at (716) 542-5030 ext. 5102.