Congratulations to junior Ryder Solomon for his acceptance into the New Jersey Music Educators Association’s All-State Modern Band.

Solomon auditioned against top contemporary musicians in the state, becoming one of the few selected to represent New Jersey in a concert at the Music Education Conference in February.

“I had heard of the program being very competitive as it is the entire state of New Jersey,” he said. “I had also heard that this program was brand new and it was something that I would be ultimately contributing to for myself and future musicians. Auditioning was difficult, but it was doing what I love doing the most.”

He is the first CBA music student to ever earn a spot in one of the all-state level ensembles.

“Congratulations to Ryder for this tremendous achievement,” said CBA’s Music Director Christian Lopez. “Ryder has made such an impact on CBA Performing Arts since he transferred here this school year. His consistent practice habits and genuine passion for the arts inspires us all to be our best whenever we are around him. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for him and we wish him the best of luck on his performance in Atlantic City in February.”

While he has only been a member of the CBA community for a few minutes, Solomon has embraced the Academy’s music program.

“The CBA music program has offered me so many opportunities,” he said. “What I like the most is my overall improvement from playing every day and the welcoming experience that I have had.”