The Valley Stream Central High School District presented its 70th Annual District Music Scholarship Festival this March, showcasing the exceptional talent of student-musicians from across the District. The evening concert in the Bert Keller Auditorium, followed a special morning performance for the community’s sixth-grade students from Valley Stream elementary districts 13, 24, and 30.
The festival featured the District String Orchestra, Mixed Chorus, and Concert Band, composed of the top musicians in grades 9 through 12. The morning concert also included remarks from Tri-M Music Honor Society presidents, who shared their experiences and excitement with incoming seventh-grade musicians. In addition to showcasing the Valley Stream Central High School District’s musical talents, this time-honored tradition recognizes three of the District’s top student-musicians for a special scholarship. The 2026 recipients are: Central High School’s Magnus Gros, South High School’s Isabella Dombrosky, and North High School’s Delaney Dusel.
Magnus’s musical journey began with piano lessons at a young age and soon expanded into percussion, school ensembles, NYSSMA festivals, and All-County performances. He has performed with both school and community ensembles, played in pit orchestras for school musicals, and earned a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam. Inspired by his teachers, conductors, and mentors, Magnus hopes to pursue music education and continue sharing the positive impact that music has had on his life.
Isabella’s connection to music began in elementary school when she first picked up a cello nearly as tall as she was. She has since participated in Orchestra, Community Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, NYSSMA, LISFA, and the District Music Festival. She has spent summers studying at the USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts and has shared her music with local senior living centers, using her talent in service to the community.
Delaney is a violist and soprano whose musical pursuits include private viola study at the Malverne School of Music, leadership roles as viola section leader and quartet leader, and involvement in choir and musical theater. She has performed in productions including Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!, Clue, and Shrek the Musical and serves as President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She plans to continue studying music in college.
The festival ensembles were directed by South High School’s Ms. Elizabeth Klamkin, North High School’s Mrs. Debra Schneider, and North High School’s Mrs. Angelica Ansbacher.
The District Concert Band was led by Mrs. Angelica Ansbacher.
The District String Orchestra was led by Ms. Elizabeth Klamkin.
The District Mixed Chorus was led by Mrs. Debra Schneider.
The 2026 Scholarship recipients Magnus Gros, fifth from left, Delaney Dusel, and Isabella Dombrosky, with North Principal Dr. Robin Small, from left, Central Assistant Principal Alejandro Sosa, South Principal Mr. Matthew Swinson, Board of Education Trustee Kenneth Cummings, and Superintendent Dr. Wayne Loper.