On Monday, June 6, the Verona Music Parents Association held its annual Music Banquet for all of the Verona High School students who participated in the music program this year. Students, parents and the music staff gathered at the Hanover Manor to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.
Along with dinner, there were many presentations throughout the evening, including individual gifts given to each senior by the underclass members of the program to show their appreciation. The music staff presented awards to members of each class for excellence in vocal music, instrumental music and overall service to the music program, as well as awards special awards . The VMPA awarded scholarships based on essays written by students that had participated in the music program all four years of high school. Attendees also enjoyed a slideshow, with music, put together by Max Morden, the director of the VHS Jazz Band and Verona’s elementary school music teacher.
The VMPA gave $100 Participation Awards to Christina Brozyna, Carly Maestas, Emma Wozny, Nicole McLaughlin, Christopher Karydes, Caroline Brenneis, Claire Spardel, Ryan Denora, Richie Williamson, Simone Brown, Jason Lawrence, Eva Brandt and Alexa Quattrocchi.
Nine students received $300 Merit Awards: For Musical Achievement and Excellence–Julianne Boyle and Matthew Tischio; for Academic Achievement-Daisy Bourne and Daniel Moczula; for Commitment to Continued Musical Excellence–Sean McGinley and Lauren Marden; for Leadership and Music Service–Greg Keating, Kimberly Castellanos and Ella Barnes.
The Music Department’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Award went to Matthew Tischio, the John Philip Sousa Band Award was given to Julianne Boyle, the Woody Herman Jazz Award went to Michael Basil, Wesley Ostrander and the Band Director’s Award went to Greg Keating and Daisy Bourne. The Special Commendation went to Lauren Marden and Richie Williamson. At The Fore award: Daisy Bourne; F.L.A.G.: Kimberly Castellanos and Ella Barnes; Vocal Music Award: Kimberly Castellanos; and To the “Max” (Jazz Band): Christopher Karydes.
For the class of 2012, the Vocal Award went to Kelli Foy, Instrumental to Nick Licitra and Tyler Regino, and Service to Isaac Rubins and Amanda Salierno. For the class of 2013, the recipients were, Vocal – Michael Hardenberg, Instrumental – Danny Molloy and Giancarlo Cordasco, and Service – Laura Williams. For the class of 2014, the recipients were, Vocal – Paul Salierno, Instrumental – Chris Sweeney and Natalie Wertz and Service – Dan Smillie.
