Saturday, October 10, 2026
Two Baldwin High School students have been selected as 2026 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State musicians, earning one of the highest honors available to high school student musicians in New York state.
Lucas Chingcuangco and Damian Figueroa were invited to perform with the 2026 NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensembles in Rochester this December. Figueroa is receiving the honor for the second consecutive year. Both students were selected from thousands of musicians statewide based on their outstanding performances at the highest level of difficulty during NYSSMA solo evaluations.
Tara Cocheo, director of fine and performing arts for the Baldwin Union Free School District, praised the students for their achievement.
“It is an extraordinary honor to earn a spot in an All-State ensemble,” Cocheo said. “The selection process is highly competitive, based on outstanding NYSSMA scores and strong recommendations from teachers. I am immensely proud to have Lucas and Damian represent Baldwin alongside the finest musicians in New York State!”
Cocheo also recognized the role of students’ teachers and families, whose dedication and support contributed to their success.
As All-State musicians, Chingcuangco and Figueroa will participate in NYSSMA’s annual Winter Conference at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center from Dec. 3 to 6. During the conference, they will rehearse and perform with selected high school musicians from throughout New York state under the direction of nationally recognized conductors.
Chingcuangco was selected for the Symphony Orchestra, where he will perform on mallet percussion. Figueroa was chosen for the Wind Ensemble, where he will play trombone.
Baldwin High School Principal André H. Poprilo also congratulated the students on the recognition.
“I am incredibly proud, as I know our entire music community is, to see our students recognized as All-State musicians, one of the highest honors a student musician can achieve in New York State,” Poprilo said. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, the commitment of our music teachers, and the unwavering support of their families. Congratulations to Damian and Lucas!”
Each year, thousands of high school students compete for NYSSMA All-State ensembles, with approximately 825 selected statewide. To qualify, students prepare a NYSSMA Level VI solo and are evaluated by a NYSSMA-certified All-State adjudicator.
