While walking through the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis last October, sophomore Baylee Hoffmeister stopped abruptly. “Wait, there’s an FFA Band?!” This summer, after being encouraged by FFA advisor and WCS agriculture teacher Bernadette Harwood and fellow students, Baylee applied for a seat in the National FFA Band, and recently learned she was the only student-musician selected from New York state this year.

            “I was in the grocery store shopping with my grandma and an email came through my phone saying I had been accepted,” said Baylee. “I was standing in the middle of the aisle crying.”

            During the application process, Baylee had to describe her participation in the Warsaw Central music program and submit an audition video of her playing the bassoon. Baylee agonized over perfecting the video, but doubted she’d be selected.

            “This is why it’s important to put yourself out there and try new things,” she said.

            The National Convention and Expo ran from Oct. 23-26, but Baylee arrived early in order to spend ample time rehearsing with the FFA Band. Students didn’t receive the music until they arrived. The band played at various times throughout the week, which prevented the student-musicians from competing in events.

            Since joining the Warsaw FFA in sixth grade, Baylee has actively helped build the program into the powerhouse it is today. She’s the current vice president of the chapter, and previously served as the secretary. Last year, along with FFA members Marina Cox, Ashley Youngers and Meghan Youngers, Baylee earned a state FFA title in Milk Quality and Products. She went on to compete at nationals in the Spanish FFA Creed Speaking Event. While she’s experienced her own success as an FFA member, it’s seeing what the future holds for the Warsaw chapter that brings Baylee joy.

            “It feels good to see how the middle school members have become interested so, when I graduate, I’ll feel good about how I leave the chapter. I love teaching the younger generation,” said Baylee.

            Baylee can play every instrument in a standard concert band with her top choice, of course, being the bassoon. She plays in the Perry Community Band, and has been selected to play at All-County and in the NYSSMA Zone 2 Area All-State Symphonic Band, the top honor for high school musicians in the Greater Rochester area and surrounding counties.

            “It’s an honor to serve as band director for Baylee here at Warsaw,” said Dan Wartinger. “It’s rare to have a student of her caliber on bassoon and she’s doing a great job!”

            Her future career goal is to become a music educator and impact students as Wartinger has done for her.

            “Mr. Wartinger has taught me a lot. He’s been a great support and has pushed me as a musician. I want to give back to the community like he’s given to me,” she said.

            Outside of the WCS music program, Baylee has pursued private lessons and attended the Crane School of Music camp at SUNY Potsdam in June 2024. During the week-long experience, Baylee took private lessons with the school’s music professors and rehearsed five hours daily with the wind ensemble band. The culminating event was a concert that families could attend. The Community Arts Grant from the Arts Council for Wyoming County helped defray the cost for Baylee to attend the camp.

            “It was an incredibly beneficial experience. It was hard, but amazing. It gave me an introduction to college life,” said Baylee.