Brockport High School musician
to participate in All State Jazz Ensemble

Brockport High School senior Mark Dudek will join musicians from high schools across New York state in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Conference All State Jazz Ensemble at the Eastman Theater. The All State Jazz Ensemble is part of the NYSSMA convention in Rochester from November 30 through December 2, which includes performances by choir, concert band, wind ensemble, vocal jazz and orchestra.

Dudek qualified for the event by scoring 100 on his trumpet solo at the NYSSMA Solo Festival in Canandaigua last March. He is among only five trumpet players from across New York state to be selected. "This is quite an honor for Mark," said Band Director Shawn Halquist. "The last time we've had anyone selected was about 10 years ago."

Dudek will receive his music in October and practice with the group of 22 students when the convention begins in November. He credits Brockport's music program, which he has been a part of since fourth grade, for getting him started. "My experience in music at Brockport has been a major stepping stone in helping me to prepare for competitions and for a future in music," Dudek said. "I am thrilled with the opportunities I have had such as meeting and playing for Wynton Marsalis and performing in Avery Fisher Hall in New York." Dudek, who participates in the high school band, the Blue Notes and is in his second year with the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra, is applying at Berklee in Boston, the Eastman School of Music and the New England Conservatory. He plans to double major in Jazz Performance Studies and Music Education next fall.