The Greater Amsterdam School District has announced its January Musicians of the Month, recognizing students across the district for their talent, leadership and dedication to the music programs.
SAMUEL OLIVARES (AHS Instrument) - This month we would like to shine a spotlight on tenth grade alto saxophonist, Samuel Olivares. Sam entered the band program this year with no prior experience playing an instrument, reading music, or marching and the progress he has made has been exemplary. During marching season, Sam rose to the challenge to learn marching technique and was a positive addition to his section. Sam participates in Advanced Concert Band and has been working incredibly hard this year both in lessons and through at home practice on his music which shows in the tremendous musical growth he has made in such a short time. Sam is a great example to his peers of how to be successful when trying new things. He is also kind, respectful, and a pleasure to work with.
EDWIN QUILES-MONJE (AHS Voice) -Senior Member of Amsterdam High School’s Select Chorus, Edwin Quiles-Monje is a mainstay in the AHS choral program. From being a leader in his vocal section to lending a hand wherever needed, he always makes himself available and at the service of the Chorus. Edwin is an exceptionally strong musician and is invaluable in our Select Choir. We can always count on him to bring the joy of singing at the forefront and sharing that with others. Edwin has participated as not only a member of the AHS Select Chorus, but has participated in the Montgomery All-County Music Festivals for the last few years. He is also very active in the Athletic program in Track and Field here at Amsterdam as well! Congratulations Edwin and thank you for all that you bring to our programs!
ALIVIA CHATMAN (LLA Instrument) - Alivia Chatman is an eighth grade concert and jazz band flutist. Her love of flute and perfecting her sound has never been more evident than this year. If she is in the band room, you can always find her practicing. She has taken it upon herself to learn flute solo music on her own at home. Livvy also volunteers for the responsibility of playing with other bands for our concert, and recently is beginning to get into woodwind doubling by starting to learn the tenor saxophone. Livvy will be playing in the Montgomery County All County music festival junior band this month, and is an excellent representation of the dedicated and talented music students that we are so lucky to have in Amsterdam. Congratulations Livvy, we are so proud of you!
LAYLA LOPEZ-MAWYIN (LLA Voice) - Layla is a seventh grade member of LLA’s Select Chorus and is an absolute star-student. Her hard work and dedication at our Winter Semi-Annual concert this month helped make the event so successful. Layla is a natural leader and her confidence shines so bright. She inspires others around her to use their voices fully and to truly tap into their greatest sound. You make us SO proud! Keep it up, Layla!
AMANDA MORALES PAGAN (LLA General Music) - Amanda has shown incredible growth this year, especially with learning new instruments. Amanda is currently learning a few songs on piano. She is focused all class making sure she knows the notes. She is also a super helper in class, and is always willing to help others that need it! Keep it up, Amanda!
EZEQUIEL CASTILLO SANTANA (Curie GM) - Ezequiel is a third grade student at Curie who always tries his best. He is very attentive in music class and has shown impressive progress in his musicianship skills this year. Ezequiel did a great job performing in our Dec. 3, grade winter concert. Now this month, he has been demonstrating his knowledge of rhythm as we notate and perform quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests in class. He certainly has an aptitude for music and it is exciting to see him continue to learn and expand his talents!
REBECCA OVERBAUGH (Tecler GM) - Rebecca is a stellar student in music class and choir at Tecler Elementary! She is always on task, asks thoughtful questions and is a great leader for her peers! To add to this she is a fantastic pianist and is always willing to perform and share what she is learning with her peers! It’s exciting to watch her grow as a musician at Tecler! Great job Rebecca! Keep making music!
RAEGAN LAMPHERE (Elem Band Instrument) - Raegan is a percussion student at Tecler Elementary. Raegan comes to lessons every week with a sunny can-do attitude! She is kind and empathetic: Reagan eagerly volunteers to help other students in her section. She asks intelligent questions and is excelling in our drum pad unit. Keep up the great work!
