The Syosset High School Chamber Orchestra has been honored with the title of National Grand Champions by the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). This prestigious accolade, awarded at the 2025 National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, positions the ensemble as the nation's premier high school orchestra.

Under the expert direction of Ms. Stephanie Merten, who has led the orchestra since 2011, the group delivered compelling performances of compositions by Caroline Shaw, George Walker, Aldemaro Romero, and Dmitri Shostakovich. The students’ exceptional musicianship stood out among 21 top high school orchestras competing for the esteemed title.

"This honor is a testament to the dedication and passion of our students,” said Ms. Merten. “It also highlights our District’s amazing music program and our community’s ongoing commitment to the arts.” 

This remarkable achievement not only highlights the individual talents of the orchestra members but also elevates the Syosset music program to a national platform, reaffirming its reputation for excellence in music education.