Beverly student to Perform at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville

Audrey Buczko, a 16 year old student from Waring School in Beverly, MA, and a Salem resident, has been named to the 2014 NAfME All-National Mixed Choir Honor Ensemble sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Audrey will join 670 of the most musically talented and skilled high school students in the United States for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: performing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 29, 2014.

These exceptional students, named the “best of the best” out of approximately 2.5 million students nationwide from local, district and state music festivals, will rehearse a repertoire of remarkably challenging music. Audrey will perform under the baton of one of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Edith Copley, Regents’ Professor, Director of Choral Studies at Northern Arizona University.

When asked about the experience, Audrey’s enthusiasm shined through saying “the process started over a year ago at Districts and has finally come full circle, I’m so excited to sing at the Grand Ole Opry House.” Audrey especially feels “honored to represent [her] school and community.”

Waring’s Performing Arts Chair, Tim Bakland, says that “Audrey has taken a lead at Waring in pursuing opportunities in Districts, All-States and All-Nationals Honor Ensembles. In addition to being a pianist and clarinetist, Audrey has worked hard on vocal technique and sight-singing and is the first in many years to make the All-Nationals at Waring. As a result, there has been a ground swell of interest around Districts for our vocalists and we even have a devoted ensemble.”

The NAfME All-National Honors Ensembles, consisting of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed chorus, and jazz ensemble, are organized by members of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The mixed chorus will have approximately 350 vocalists.

The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.

Waring School is a co-educational independent day school for grades 6-12 located on Boston’s North Shore in Beverly, Massachusetts. Waring’s Music Program brings classical music into the lives of the whole community. All students sing in our chorus, are encouraged to study an instrument as part of our program, and are provided a variety of opportunities to perform through coffeehouses, Soirées, All-School Meetings, and other venues.