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Upper School Students Win Awards at Heritage National Music Festival

The Upper School Chorus, Show Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of instructors Tess Nielsen, Dorothy Sobieski and John Doyle, traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia on April 11-13 for the Heritage Music Festival. Students brought home several group awards and two students were honored with individual achievement awards. A total of 39 student musicians enjoyed touring the historic area and visiting the College of William & Mary in preparation for their adjudicated musical performances at the Heritage High School in Newport News, Virginia.

On Friday afternoon the Chorus students attended a performance Master Class at William & Mary College, directed by Dr. Jamie Bartlett, professor of Choral Music. This event was followed by a campus tour and tavern Dinner in Historic Williamsburg. In the evening, the students attended a program on African-American Music presented at The Great Hope Plantation.

On Saturday, students performed in competition with nine other high school music ensembles from across the nation. They enjoyed “mini-clinics” with their clinicians onstage, which were designed to polish and perfect their performance techniques. Later that afternoon, students were treated to the fun of Busch Gardens Old Country. The evening awards event took place at the Abbey Stone Theater inside the Park.

The ceremony built to excitement with the announcement of the following awards:
Upper School Chorus: Gold
Upper School Orchestra: Silver
Upper School Show Choir: Gold

Junior Erik Bovino ’15 (Brielle) received the “Maestro Award” for his extraordinary accompaniment of the Chorus and Orchestra. Senior Anthony Dennis (Brick) received the “Ovation Award,” a new award this year given to only one festival participant upon nomination from his instructor. The Ovation Award recipient displays "a spirit of determination, inspiration and service to others." Dr. Sobieski wrote of her student, “He is the most positive human being one can meet… Anthony’s selfless outlook on life, coupled with genuine love of music and boundless dedication to our orchestral program, are inspiration to me and all Ranney School students.”

On Sunday morning, students enjoyed a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. After a relaxing lunch outside in the Virginia sunshine, students departed for Tinton Falls. Overall, it was a weekend that helped students create memories and build lasting connections with music, history, culture and friendships.

Chorus and Show Choir

Sopranos
Charlotte DeMarco ’15
Tessa Payer ’16
Jamie Shamilian ’16
Mallory Burlington ’16
Sydney Harley ’17
Tyler Oden ’17

Altos
Ava Papetti ’15
Madalyn Denton ’16
Mari Patient ’17
Rose Faccone-Stockwell ’17
Katie Gill ’14

Tenors
George Timmins ’15
Taylor Zenner ’17
Bass-Baritone
Karl Brand ’16
Noah Goldstein ’14

Orchestra

Violin 1
Anthony Dennis ’14
Danielle Sobieski ’16
Sophia Jackman ’16
Nelson Chan ’16
Dean Parker ’16
Marykatherine Horan ’15
Sabrina Park ’15

Violin 2
Brittany Hofferber ’17
Julianna Poupard ’17
Rose Sweetwood ’17
Aidan Denver-Moore ’17

Viola
Robert Odell ’16

Cello
Rebekah Lo ’17
Michelle Krameisen ’16

Bass
Brandon Flynn ’14

Flute
Cameron Cranley ’16

Clarinet
Kelly Duffe ’16

Trumpet
Liam Fitzmaurice
Corey Natofsky

French Horn
Paul Park

Euphonium
Hunter Pearl

Piano
Christopher Farkouh
Erik Bovino

Timpani/Percussion
Ben Zalewski
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.