This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s Spring 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
In April, two of Ward Melville’s most talented musicians, Ariella Mossey and Joanna Huang, attended the All Eastern Music Festival, a prestigious event where the best musicians on the East Coast join together and perform in concert. The students are each among the best in their fields, with Mossey being a singer and Huang a violinist. These exceptional individuals shared their experience with preparing for and participating in the festival.
Both musicians are grateful for being able to participate in such a wonderful event. “Going to All Eastern was really important to me as it was such a surprise to even get in, considering how many amazing musicians there are across the East Coast,” said Mossey. Huang was appreciative as well, and also sentimental, since it’s her senior year. “Attending All Eastern was a major milestone for me. When I saw my name on the list of accepted students, it felt like everything I had worked towards in the Three Village music program had come full circle. Since it was the last music festival I would ever do in my high school career, it felt like a really meaningful ending to my Three Village music journey.”
When it came time to try to get into the festival, it was no easy feat. Mossey and Huang endured a grueling process to be accepted. “Preparing and getting in took months, as I had to prepare my NYSSMA piece from the year before and the sight reading for months leading up to it,” Mossey described. She had to attain a perfect score on that piece to qualify for All State choir. After that, she submitted a form with information about herself, and waited to see if she got into All Eastern. Huang described a similar experience after receiving a 100 on her NYSSMA audition. “After that, I advanced through NYSCAME All-County. Once I attended All State, I became eligible for All Eastern.” Even after being accepted, the process didn’t end for her. “Upon acceptance, I recorded an audition to determine my chair placement.”
Both Mossey and Huang spent considerable time honing their crafts. In spite of this, Ariella thoroughly enjoyed the experience and meeting new people. “I had to prepare music before going, and getting a chance to know my part of the music and then immediately collaborate with other musicians who didn’t need to learn their parts was amazing.”
Huang also shared appreciation for the opportunity to spend time refining her skills. “Preparing for all this meant spending a lot of time alone with my violin, zooming in on little details I probably would’ve missed otherwise.”
If one thing is clear, it is that the musicians have great love for their instruments. Huang discussed the life lessons the violin has helped her learn, “Playing the violin has taught me patience and resilience. Overcoming challenges in my playing has not only improved my musical skills but also played a huge part in my personal growth. With every practice session, there is always something new to learn: some technique that needs improvement or a new piece I’m working on. It makes my musical journey more exciting and fulfilling.”
For singing, Mossey described her passion and her appreciation for the people she got to meet through All Eastern. She said, “Singing, to me, has been pretty much my entire life, so getting to go and collaborate with all of these incredible vocalists was one of the best experiences I’ve ever gotten to be a part of.”
Huang also wanted to recognize the people who have inspired her throughout her life. “I’m truly grateful for all the teachers who have supported me, both in Three Village and through private lessons, and for my family who encouraged me every step of the way — I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”
