Brothers play on all-county band

SPARTA — The All-Sussex County High School Band and Chorus held its annual concert at Sparta High School Friday presented by The Sussex County Music Educators Association.

Musicians from all over the County auditioned last month to compete for a chair in the band and a spot in the chorus. These young musicians had a short time to learn their songs and be ready to perform for the concert.

Their practice consisted of four evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. and one full day. David Martin was the conductor of the band; John P. Lenard conducted the chorus and world-renowned Joe Burgstaller was the guest soloist trumpeter.

Austin and Ryan Oleksy were two students that represented Wallkill Valley Regional High School. This was Ryan Oleksy's second year performing with the band as a sophomore he earned first chair for the bass clarinet. Austin Oleksy is a senior and this is his second time performing in the band and earned third chair for the tenor saxophone.