The Greater Amsterdam School District has announced its November Musicians of the Month, recognizing students across the district for their talent, leadership and dedication to the music programs.
KATERI MAZZONE (AHS Saxophone) - The AHS band program is happy to shine a spotlight on sophomore Kateri Mazzone this month. Kateri has stepped up this year in many ways including becoming an alto saxophone section leader in the Marching Rams, a uniform manager, and leader in the advanced concert band. She took great care with her section, working with them in sectionals and perfecting drill. This year, Kateri took on the task of enhancing the Marching Rams social media presence by reviving our Instagram page bringing fun content that perfectly captures the personality and spirit of the Marching Rams. Her hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated. Congratulations Kateri!
ABBY GRANT (AHS Voice) - Abby Grant is a junior Select Chorus member who has been a lifelong member of the choral program here in Amsterdam. Abby is an immensely kind and caring person, and that can be seen with every interaction she has. She is a talented musician whose dedication and professionalism is very apparent. Abby works hard to support our music programs, whether it is organizing the chorus room, getting folders ready or assisting with the AHS Chorus Booster Club’s events. Abby is also an active participant in the AHS Drama Club having been involved in multiple productions. Abby has made herself invaluable to our programs and we are proud to have her in our Select Chorus! Congratulations Abby!
NAILAH WALLACE (LLA Instrument) - Nailah is an eighth grade flutist in concert and jazz band. She joined band class during sixth grade, and her hard work and dedication has quickly made her a leader in the flute section and our ensemble classes. She practices flute or piccolo in the band room every chance she gets, consistently setting a good example for her peers. Nailah also has the distinction of being the first flutist at LLA to take a jazz solo, and will perform it at our concert next week. She is kind, conscientious, talented, and a joy to teach. We are so lucky to have her in band!
HAZEL’LEIGH BARRY (LLA Voice) - Hazel is a member of Select Chorus seven and is an exemplary student. She shows leadership in her section by always using a confident voice and is an excellent sight-singer. Hazel works hard in the Piano Lab during lessons every month and is working on some really fun tunes for both hands! Keep it up, Hazel!
BENJAMIN PAQUETTE (LLA Tenor Sax) - Ben is an outgoing member of our sixth grade band, and has been incredibly dedicated since starting his time at LLA. He is always the first to learn his music, spending time during advisory periods to come down and practice as well as play with other sections of sixth grade. Always one to embrace a challenge, Ben will also be playing with the seventh grade band in the winter concert. Excellent job Ben!
DOMONIC ANTHONY BELLO (LLA General Music) - Domonic has shown exemplary musical ability in a short time this year. He creates his own harmonies in his Soundtrap projects which is above and beyond the expectations of sixth grade. He also shows enthusiasm for playing instruments, and is a role model for his class.
MILA MERENDO (Barkley GM) - Mila is a hard working second grader at Barkley. She has been a role model to her peers as we have been preparing for our winter performance. She tries her best every day, and is always asking great questions to deepen her musical knowledge and make connections!
CHRISTOPHER MELTON (Barkley GM) - Christopher is a fourth grader at Barkley who is really excelling in his first year in chorus! His focus during rehearsals has helped him to learn our songs very quickly. He always comes ready to work hard with a smile on his face and a positive attitude!
COLLIN COLE (Curie GM) - Collin is a fifth grade musician at Curie who participates in Band, Chorus and Orff Ensemble this year. Collin always has great ideas to share and took extra initiative to learn an additional accompaniment part for one of our December concert pieces for chorus. He worked alongside the guitar students to put a bass line to the song they learned and came for extra practice during the weekday mornings to perfect his part. Keep up the hard work Collin!
GUS LANDRIO (Tecler GM) - Gus is a fifth grade student at Tecler Elementary. He is a percussionist and a member of the choir. This month Gus stepped up and performed on bells for the second graders and their winter concert. He also assisted with managing the curtain! He works hard in music class and really stepped up to help others this month! Way to go Gus! Keep it up!
KENNA SULLIVAN, KAITLYNN CASCIANO, JAVIELEE ALICEA, EDEN JAMMET (Elem Band Instrument) - Kenna Sullivan, Kaitlynn Casciano, Javi Alicea, and Eden Jammet are fifth grade flute students at Marie Curie. They have shown remarkable progress in lessons! When asked if they were interested in learning Carol of the Bells for their winter concert they rose to the challenge. The group came in early all month to practice their song and put on a wonderful performance! I'm very proud of their hard work and dedication.
