Skip to main content

Oyster Bay-East Norwich

Empowering All Students to Achieve Excellence

May 22, 2026

OBEN music ensembles earn top honors at NYSSMA Majors

Group photo of student musicians with conductor.

After a spring season filled with highlights, including a series of exceptional concerts across schools and ensembles and a Best Community for Music Education designation, Oyster Bay-East Norwich's music program continues to impress. Three of the district's ensembles recently performed at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Majors festival at Hofstra University, returning home with two Gold designations and one Silver.

NYSSMA Major Organization Festivals are prestigious events where entire school ensembles, including wind ensembles, orchestras, choruses and jazz bands, perform before a panel of adjudicators who evaluate musicality, technique and overall preparation. OBEN's 5th grade band, under the direction of Mr. Devassy, earned Gold with Distinction. The 6th grade band, directed by Ms. Macy, also earned Gold with Distinction, and the 5th and 6th grade orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Muller Pinnola, received a Silver ranking.

The district congratulates these talented young musicians and our superb music teachers on a truly outstanding achievement.

An orchestra rehearses on a stage, with various instruments visible.   An orchestra performs on a stage, led by a conductor.   A large group of students and adults pose for a photo on steps in front of a building.   A large group of people, likely a musical ensemble, pose for a photo outdoors.   A large group of people pose for a photo outdoors on a sunny day.