Southern Regional Musicians Shine in Elite Band Auditions

Ten students from the Southern Regional School District have been chosen to participate in this year’s South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association’s winter concerts.

The association has been putting together ensembles of South Jersey student musicians for winter concerts since 1947. Today, there are more than 250 musicians -- high school and middle school students -- participating in the concerts, divided into wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, and string ensemble.

Students audition to participate, and those selected rehearse with their group or groups until performances are held in mid-to late January.

Southern Regional students chosen for the symphonic band and the instruments they play include:

Michael Baglio - battery perc.

John Bonacorso - battery perc.

Matthew Kokai - euphonium.

Colin Rutkowski - euphonium.

Karen Ditmar - flute.

Steven Tarantola - clarinet.

Teia Suarez - bass clarinet.

Kayla Byrnes - bass clarinet.

Jacob Panero -trombone. Jacob was also selected for the orchestra.

Southern Regional students chosen for the wind ensemble include:

Mark Tipaldo - mallets.

Samantha Burr - bassoon.

For more information on the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association, click here.