Oliver Ames Senior Performs at Grand Ole Opry

TEMPO

The Easton Music Parents Organization

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2015

Oliver Ames Senior Performs at Grand Ole Opry Andrew Kozak of North Easton recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee as a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) All-National Honor Mixed Choir. Andrew, a senior at Oliver Ames High School, was one of 650 high school students, and just 30 from Massachusetts, chosen to participate in the annual All-National Honors ensembles under the direction of nationally acclaimed directors. Eighteen students represented Massachusetts in the 350 person Mixed Choir directed by Ann Howard Jones, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Boston University. Students selected for their home all-state festivals are eligible to apply for the annual honors ensembles with a video audition. In Massachusetts, students must first be chosen for their district festivals with scores high enough to be recommended to audition for the all-state festival and subsequently be chosen to participate. “I was not surprised that Andrew was eligible for All East and the National Honor Choir,” said Charlene Dalrymple, Music Department Head and Choral Director at Oliver Ames High School. “He has a fine tenor voice and the necessary musical skills to sing the challenging music presented by high level conductors. We are very proud of Andrew!” Andrew participated in both the Sr. District Festivals and Massachusetts All State Festivals in both his sophomore and junior years. His selection for the All State Festival in 2014 made him eligible for the 2015 All Eastern Festival held in Providence, Rhode Island. While at the All Eastern Festival, he learned of the National Honors Ensembles. “I feel very fortunate to be part of the music department here at OA and am proud to have represented our school in Nashville,” said Andrew Kozak. “My festival experiences have allowed me to work with some amazing conductors and perform some incredible pieces of music.” Andrew is a member of the Oliver Ames Concert Choir, Concert Band, Show Choir “Panache”, a capella group “OAcapella,” and the Pep Band, and he is Vice President of Tri-M Music Honor Society. He has also participated in the marching band, jazz ensemble, and jazz combo. Andrew looks forward to the high school musical every year, and was recently cast as the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz” which will be staged March 4, 5 and 6, 2016. _______ TEMPO’s goal is to help the Easton Public Schools Music Department provide quality music education for our children based on the philosophy that music is an important part of every child’s education and can open doors for future careers, education and employment. TEMPO supports music programs at all grade levels, K12. By providing support to the Music Department staff, all music students benefit. TEMPO support is vital in continuing a quality music program for Easton students.

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TEMPO’s goal is to help the Easton Public Schools Music Department provide quality music education for our children based on the philosophy that music is an important part of every child’s education and can open doors for future careers, education and employment. TEMPO supports music programs at all grade levels, K12. By providing support to the Music Department staff, all music students benefit. TEMPO support is vital in continuing a quality music program for Easton students.