The district is proud to celebrate Port Chester Middle School Orchestra Director Mary Porcaro, who has been selected to serve as the Guest All-County Conductor for the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) Division I East Orchestra.

The prestigious honor recognizes her dedication to music education and more than 11 years of experience teaching orchestra. In this role, she will lead over 100 talented 5th and 6th grade string students from across Suffolk County, Long Island, who were selected to perform in the All-County ensemble.

Porcaro was chosen for the role by SCMEA President Angelina Wasson, a colleague with whom she has collaborated in the field of music education for more than 15 years.

Over the course of a three-day rehearsal process, she will guide the young musicians through intensive rehearsals as they prepare for the All-County concert on March 15, which she will conduct.

“I’m truly excited to work with such dedicated young musicians and to see their collaboration and hard work come together in the final performance,” Porcaro shared.

Beyond the honor itself, the experience will also strengthen her work with students at Port Chester Middle School, bringing new instructional strategies, fresh repertoire ideas, and enhanced ensemble techniques back to the orchestra program. She hopes the recognition also sends an important message to her students about the value of dedication, teamwork, and a love of music.