'Music is what brings us together'

WARWICK — Three Warwick Valley High School students performed earlier this month at the New York State School Music Association’s annual ALL–STATE concert in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater in Rochester:
• Daniel Brenner, All-State Mixed Chorus (Bass);
• Izabele Horowitz, All-State String Orchestra (Violin); and
• Ethan Tuomala, All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Tenor).
They were accompanied by WVHS Music teacher and Choral Director Noreen Hanson.
Both Daniel and Ethan are seniors at Warwick Valley High School. Izzie Horowitz in 11th grade.
Daniel will be studying music education in college.
Ethan will go on to study history.
Izzie plans to study music therapy in college.
Each student-musician was asked to explain their passion for music. Here are their thoughts in their own words:
Daniel BrennerWhen I think about my career goals and aspirations, I think about my innate desire to promote arts education and education through the arts. I have been lucky enough to be exposed to extraordinary music educators who have motivated me to pursue a career in the arts, specifically music.
I’m particularly drawn to music education because I love the idea that maybe someday I could be the one to make a difference in someone’s life through the powerful medium of music and singing.
Specifically, I am eager to share the undying sense of community that choral singing can bring to those who truly embrace it.
Being a member of the NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus was an amazing experience that I’m grateful to have been a part of.
There’s truly nothing like being surrounded by so many people that share the same passions as you.
Ethan TuomalaMusic had been a huge part of my life since I was born. I have countless memories of dancing through the halls to my parents cassettes and CDs when I was little.
This, of course, would eventually lead me to have a huge love for all things music, and when I started school and got the opportunity to make my own music through choir I was more than happy too.
Eventually I would form a love for music and especially choir.
The ability for a group of people to create, and experience together is just so beautiful. Not to mention that I have met the most wonderful people through choir.
The kids in The Meistersingers (WVHS honors choir) are the most accepting, kind, and supportive people I’ve ever met, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be a part of it.
Ultimately, music is what brings us together. It can be found on every group of people all across the world. From Mongolian throat singing to American hip hop and Italian arias.
Music is simply human nature, and to be able to make beautiful music together through choir, to be able to share a moment of true creation, is a really beautiful thing.
Izzie HorowitzMusic therapy is a way to combine my love for medicine and music. I chose music because it gives me a way to express myself. I also love how it gives me a way to connect with anyone I’m performing for.