Eli Merritt ’27 performed with the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band this past weekend at Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
Columbia High School is proud to recognize Eli Merritt ’27 for her outstanding achievement in being selected to perform in the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band. Eli, a dedicated piccolo player, earned her invitation after performing a Level 6 All-State solo at last spring’s NYSSMA Solo Festival, where she received a perfect score of 100.
This past year, more than 1,600 band students from across New York State auditioned for a spot in the prestigious All-State Ensembles. From this highly competitive pool, only about 200 students were selected. Eli was chosen as one of just four piccolo players statewide, and was one of only two students from Rensselaer County to earn a place in any All-State ensemble this year—an extraordinary accomplishment.
The NYSSMA All-State Festival took place in Rochester from December 4–7, bringing together New York’s finest young musicians for four days of intense music-making. Throughout the festival, Eli participated in approximately 25 hours of rehearsals under the direction of Dr. Courtney Snyder, Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Michigan.
The festival concluded with a memorable performance in the legendary Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music, where Eli and her ensemble performed a dynamic program that included:
- Tarot – The Fool (I)
- The King of Cups (II)
- The Tower (III)
- Deep River
- Congo del Fuego Nuevo
“We congratulate Eli on her remarkable achievement and commend her dedication, discipline, and passion for music,” said David Bresnahan, director of the Columbia Symphonic Band. “She represents Columbia with pride, and we look forward to all she will continue to accomplish.”
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