The Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association (LLMEA) selected 18 talented musicians from Elizabethtown Area High School to participate in the 2026 LLMEA County Band Festival. The festival was held at Ephrata High School and featured 179 outstanding student musicians from schools across Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

The ensemble was conducted by Dr. Joseph Cernuto of Millersville University and Dr. Dan Neuenschwander of Kutztown University. Students had the opportunity to rehearse and perform challenging repertoire while collaborating with accomplished peers from throughout the region.

The following EAHS students were selected by their director to represent the school:

• Alto Saxophone: Lex Hershock
• Bassoon: Morgan Newpower
• Baritone Saxophone: Eleyas Kettering
• Clarinet: Olivia Black, Naomi Clugston
• Flute: Elise Fuddy, Hayden Simione, Elaina Smith
• French Horn: Margo Sirinides
• Tenor Saxophone: Luke Popdan
• Percussion: Dominic Hemsch, Carson Hoffmaster
• Trombone: Noa Williams
• Trumpet: Nick Kreider, May Leaman, Ryan Siler
• Tuba: Ben Brinton, Jacob Schaber

Band students are chosen by their director to participate in the festival ensemble based on musicianship, preparation, and overall performance.

“These students worked very hard and were very deserving of the spots they were placed in,” said Kristin Novak, EAHS Band Director. “They represented EAHS well in their musicianship and preparation.”

LLMEA is an organization comprised of music educators from public and private schools in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The association is dedicated to fostering musical excellence through annual county festivals for high school band, chorus, and orchestra students, as well as middle school ensembles.