Talented East Islip High School student Erin Ackerman was recently named a finalist in this year’s Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York Concerto and Vocal Competition. A total of 16 finalists were selected from a total of 86 applicants by a panel of MYO music directors and staff. Ackerman, a soprano, was chosen for the competition’s Vocal Finalists Division II. She will perform her competition piece at a free Finalists Concert on Feb. 5 at the Congregational Church of Huntington in Centerport in front of an MYO competition jury.

The first-place winners of the competition, one instrumentalist and one vocalist from each of the Divisions, will win a $500 award and may be able to perform as a soloist with their MYO ensemble during the 2025-2026 season; awards will also be given for second ($200), third ($100) and fourth place ($50) winners, in both categories.