Brennan Hare, a junior bass clarinet player from Port Byron High School has qualified for the NYSMMA Area All-State high School band. Hare will perform with the Zone 3 High School Band, which includes musicians from Cayuga, Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins, Tioga and Broome counties.

The journey towards achieving a coveted spot in the Area All-State began for Brennan during freshman year after attending All-County. That is when a then senior bass clarinetist shared her own inspiring story of making it to Area All-State. That conversation planted a seed in Hare’s mind, and a goal was set – to make Area All-State as a senior. 

The news of achieving this prestigious recognition as a junior came as a shock to Hare. 

“All-State has been a goal of mine ever since I figured out what it was in ninth grade,” Hare said. “I was hoping I would get in next year; I didn’t think I would get in this year.” 

For Hare, music and drama play a large role in high school life. Balancing an impressive array of musical activities, including band, jazz band, jazz choir and drama club, Hare has expressed interest in continuing the pursuit of the arts in college.

“I don’t want to necessarily do it as a profession, but I just want to keep playing throughout my life,” Hare said.

Hare, who has been playing the bass clarinet since sixth grade describes the instruments’ role in the band as being distinct from its clarinet counterparts.

“It provides more of a rhythmic baseline, keeping the beat and setting a foundation for the other instruments,” Hare said.

Port Byron Band Teacher James Bearup encourages students to try different instruments. To that point, Hare recently began playing the oboe.

Qualification for Area All-State is based on performance and grades at a solo audition, and teacher recommendation is also needed.

"On behalf of the Port Byron Band program, I would like to congratulate Brennan Hare on their selection to the Area All-State Band. They are a wonderful bass clarinet player and a joy to teach,” Bearup said.

According to its website, the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) is committed to promoting and enhancing music education throughout the state. NYSSMA works diligently to support and organize various activities and programs that cater to its members and students in member school music programs, ensuring that music remains an integral part of education and culture.