Goshen High School’s Music Department has two students headed to Kodak Hall at Eastman College in Rochester, New York for this year’s New York State All-State Festival. Henry Dong is one of four trombones selected to perform in the All-State Jazz Band. Ava Carroll will be representing Goshen, in the All-State Symphonic Band, playing the flute.
Henry and Ava auditioned last spring and were selected in August for this opportunity. The Goshen Music Department would like to thank the Goshen community along with the Board of Education, Dr. Kotes, Mr. Carter, Mr. Pantaleone, Mrs. Hindell and Dr. Voloshin for making moments like this possible for students.
See more each student’s photo and bio below!
Have you ever wondered what happens when a fourth grader picks up a trombone and never puts it down? Spoiler alert: You get Henry Dong, and he’s still sliding strong! Throughout his trombone journey, his absolute favorite thing is when the conductor tells him to “play louder”. In addition to being selected for the All-State Instrumental Jazz Ensemble this year, Henry has already left his mark on some of the most prestigious stages. He performed with the All-State Orchestra last year and had the unforgettable experience of playing at Carnegie Hall with the Honors Performance Series Symphony Orchestra. Currently, Henry is the principal trombonist of the Juilliard MAP orchestra, and studies with distinguished professors to enhance aspects of his musical development. Henry would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped shape his musical journey—his dedicated band directors, his fellow musicians, and all the friends and family who have supported him along the way.
Ava Carroll is a junior member of the spectacular GHS music department. She started playing flute with her mother at a very young age, joined her first band in fourth grade with Mr. Greene, and has continued under the batons of Mrs. Dickinson, Mr. Pacht, and Mrs. Longo. Ava has enjoyed performing in OCMEA’s All-County and Area All-State Bands and Orchestras. She has participated in the OCMEA Summer Music Institute for the past 8 years. Ava is the principal flutist of the Hudson Valley Honors Wind Ensemble and she currently studies with renowned flutist Catherine Gregory. Ava is extremely honored and excited to be selected to perform in the 2024 All-State Symphonic Band. Ava would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their love and support along her musical journey.