Baldwin High School is the only Long Island school chosen to perform at NYSSMA's 86th annual conference this winter.

The school's wind symphony received a big sendoff Thursday as they headed to Rochester to play.

Band director Scott Dunn said the competition was stiff, but the school's symphony proved their worth.

"So it's judged by a committee of musicians who listen to the tape and they choose the one that is most qualified, so they did not know who we were when they chose us," Dunn said.

School officials say the students have been working since the summer to prepare for the event.

Student musicians said they were proud of their achievement and have big expectations for the competition.

"I think we are going to sound amazing," Daniela Zambrano said.

The Baldwin High School Wind Symphony will be playing before an audience of 500 during the NYSMMA Winter Conference on Friday.