Camden Central School District -

In his time as a student, Larry Fiume has built a reputation worthy of the most accomplished musicians that Camden has ever seen. The Camden High School senior has been a fixture across the music department ever since he picked up a clarinet in fourth grade, and has since blossomed into an all-encompassing force of an instrumentalist recognized across the region.

Fiume has served as first chair clarinet at the MCMEA All-County Festival in each of the last four years he’s participated, and has also made two trips to the NYSSMA Area All-State Festival. At CHS, he has performed in the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and as a guest instrumentalist for the String Orchestra.

On his exhaustive list of accomplishments, the most glaring omission might have been a trip to the NYSSMA All-State Festival. But thankfully, that is all about to change.

Fiume was recently informed that he was chosen to perform in this year’s festival to be held from December 4th to 7th in Rochester, NY. Fiume will participate in the All-State Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. Courtney Snyder. Snyder is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He will have the opportunity to perform at the historic Eastman Theatre.

“Larry’s selection for the conference is a testament to his dedication, independence, and commitment to continual growth as a musician,” Band Director Matthew Donaleski said. “I am thrilled for him, and I am confident he will thrive in the opportunity to perform alongside other talented high school musicians who share his passion and musical ability.”

Getting to that stage is the result of countless hours of dedication to music, and a high level of commitment to an exhaustive audition process - a process one must get right at every turn.

At the High School level, over 6,500 juniors and seniors across the state start that process each year by completing a NYSSMA Solo Audition in the Level Six category - the highest difficulty available. Of that group, about 2,400 typically receive a score of 98 or above, which is needed in order to be recommended for the festival. And even then, that doesn’t guarantee a spot in an ensemble.

Students also participate in NYSSMA Solo Festivals to earn spots in other ensembles, including Area All-State. Fiume has been participating in evaluations since sixth grade himself, and reaching this level is the ultimate payoff for making that commitment.

“This really feels like the culmination of all the years i’ve been playing, whether that’s doing NYSSMA solos or performing in general,” Fiume said.

Still, a new challenge lies ahead - Fiume will now work on a video audition to be considered for first chair. Not that he has shied away from challenges in the past, of course. The clarinet may be the foundation of his musical career, but he has also branched out considerably by building skills on other instruments. He has performed on flute and bass clarinet with the Concert Band, learned baritone saxophone and alto saxophone to play jazz, and has expanded his horizons further by dabbling in the oboe and cello. All of this helps keep the learning process fun, and allows him to do something uncommon in the process.

“I enjoy learning to play things that maybe I don’t typically get to hear,” Fiume said. “There are oboes in the all-county bands and area all-state, but I haven’t seen an oboe here recently. It’s also fun learning how different instruments work and understanding them on a deeper level.”

His commitment to improving and developing new skills will serve him well in the future as he eyes potential opportunities at the collegiate level. While his ultimate path is undecided, he has identified the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam as a potential option.