At it’s January 21 meeting, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education took a moment to formally celebrate the remarkable talents of three high school student musicians. In a resolution of recognition, the Board acknowledged their recent selection and performance at the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Conference, ensuring their achievements are permanently etched into the district’s history.
Top Honors at All-State
The recognition highlights the accomplishments of high school junior Emeline Comulada Fried and seniors Regan Crary-Gracz and Hikaru Matsue. Following a rigorous selection process, all three traveled to Rochester this past December to perform at the historic Eastman Theater.
The students represented BH-BL in three distinct elite ensembles:
- Emeline Comulada Fried performed with the All-State String Orchestra.
- Regan Crary-Gracz performed with the All-State Symphonic Band.
- Hikaru Matsue performed with the All-State Symphony Orchestra.
A Legacy of Excellence
Selection for All-State is based on exceptional performances at the NYSSMA Solo Festival. In May 2025, during auditions at Queensbury High School, these students achieved near-perfect scores on their Level 6 (most difficult) solos. Emeline (violin) and Regan (bass clarinet) both earned perfect scores of 100, while Hikaru (bassoon) earned an outstanding 99.
Beyond their individual accolades, all three are pillars of the BH-BL music community. They are active members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and contribute to numerous school ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Symphonic and Concert Bands, and the Pit Orchestra.
Exemplary Leadership
In their resolution, the Board of Education praised the trio for exemplifying the ideals of dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to the craft of music-making.
“The Board of Education formally acknowledges its pride in having such exceptional representatives to carry the school district’s name,” the resolution stated, extending heartfelt congratulations to Emeline, Regan, and Hikaru for their hard work and artistic excellence.