Friday, December 24, 2010

Berwick Academy Students Nationally Recognized for Musical Achievements

DOVER/BARRINGTON—
Berwick Academy Senior Frederick Diengott of Dover, NH and fourth grade student Kelsey Walker of Barrington, NH have both truly exemplified the musical prestige that Berwick Academy helps foster in its students. After working hard to each complete an audition tape characteristic of their singing abilities, both Frederick and Kelsey were accepted into elite national choir programs.
Frederick Diengott has been selected to take part in the 2011 American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He will be participating in the Honors Choir, an honor designated only for extremely hard working high school performers. Frederick will join other finalists from both the United States and Canada for a special performance at Carnegie Hall in February 2011, and will have a chance to work with renowned conductor Dr. Eph Ehly.
When asked what Frederick looks forward to the most, he replied, “I really think that this is going to be an amazing experience. I look forward to being able to work with people from all over the country to help development my own singing abilities while also sharing with other students what I have learned at Berwick Academy.”
Frederick will work diligently over the next few months to learn the music provided to him by the program, described as a “nice mix between classical and spiritual styles with some patriotism,” and is extremely excited to see not only the choir he will be participating in, but the band and orchestra students who will also assemble at Carnegie Hall that same weekend to perform.
“It’s truly an experience that will be never be matched in my life. It’s a great honor and I can’t wait to represent Berwick Academy in the American High School Honors Performance in New York this February,” says Frederick Diengott.
Frederick studies music with a private instructor and is an active member of the arts at Berwick Academy. He has participated in the All-State choir program, the Maine District Music Festival, and was inducted to the Tri-M Music Honor Society during his time at BA. Most recently, he has been accepted to the 2011 Maine All-state choir. Additionally, Frederick is a member of the Boys Varsity Soccer team, 2010 Eastern Independent League Champions.
Kelsey Walker was also honored for her musical talents when she was recently awarded a place in the Organization of American Kodaly Educators’ National Conference Children’s’ Choir. After working closely with Maria Isaak, a certified Kodaly Specialist and music teacher at Berwick Academy, and Chorus Director Brenda LaForce before school and during recess, Kelsey was able to develop her singing talents to an unprecedented level.
Kelsey’s mother Diane commented, “Kelsey worked so hard to develop her singing abilities. Just creating an audition CD was a marvelous opportunity in itself so I am sure that performing in the choir will be an amazing experience for her.”
Kelsey’s mentors attribute the growth in her singing abilities to the Kodaly method, a teaching method geared towards instilling an inner appreciation for music and musical literacy. The Kodaly method, based on the beliefs of 20th century composer Zoltán Kodály, centers on the premise that music education helps expand students’ skills with singing, hearing, improvisation, intonation, listening, memory, phrasing and understanding form while also developing skill area foundations that students can base their education off of in the future.
Kelsey will continue to practice diligently to learn the music required of the performance and will have it memorized by the time she travels to Minneapolis in March to participate in three days of rehearsal prior to the final performance. The choir will be conducted by Jon Noyes, a music director and Choral Director of the Year for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Both Frederick and Kelsey are active, hard working students at school and are thankful to participate in such amazing opportunities. Acceptance to these elite programs is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements they have worked so hard to develop at Berwick Academy.
Frederick will perform February 19, 2011 in New York City and Kelsey will sing March 19, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both performances are open to the public and should be truly exceptional shows to attend. Berwick Academy is extremely proud of both Frederick and Kelsey for their accomplishments and look forward to their performances in the upcoming year.

Stuffing Stockings for Toys for Tots


SOMERSWORTH—
More than 50 students from Somersworth Youth Connection, teachers from the Somersworth Middle School, and Somersworth community members came together to stuff more than 100 stockings in less than 20 minutes at SYC’s 3rd Annual Stuff a Stocking Party for Toys for Tots. Students from grades 5 through 8 participated, stuffing stockings for both boys and girls. Five tables were lined up with assorted toiletries, treats and trinkets as students excitedly stuffed all of the items into stockings.
SYC greatly appreciates the SMS staff and families with their generosity and donations towards the event. SYC students participate in a variety of service projects throughout the year such as Thanksgiving baskets for the local food pantry, the Annual Spirit Up Somersworth Community Clean Up Day, the citywide Adopt-a-Spot program, and the planting of liberty elm trees in the community.
For more information on what SYC does in the Somersworth community, please visit our website at http://www.somersworthyouthconnection.org.
Photo caption: The Somersworth community came together, stuffing more than 100 stockings in less than 20 minutes for Toys for Tots. (Courtesy photo)

Dover Pools Boast New Logo


DOVER—
The Dover Pool Advisory Committee recently announced the winning design in its pool logo and motto contest. Ken Costello of Dover submitted the winning entry, “Dover Swims.”
“I read about the contest on the city’s website,” Costello said. “I had an idea, so I put it together. Having opportunities to swim is critical. (Supporting the pools) is a good cause. I don’t want to see the pools go.”
The design combines the familiar Dover wave with a swimmer.
A landscape architect by trade, Costello often uses his skills for recreational projects, including Dover’s new Community Trail. He regularly rides his bicycle. He swims at the beach and pools as often as he can.
“I used to spend summers at the beach and swam all the time,” Costello said. “Now I just swim for fun. When I go I say, ‘Ah, that was so good. I should do this more often.’ My five-year-old daughter is taking lessons now and she loves it. She also loves watching the other swimmers and divers. My two-year-old already loves the water.”
When asked if he had any special swimming stories to share, Costello noted he met his wife at a canoe race.
“That would not have happened if I wasn’t comfortable being on the water and knowing how to swim,” he said. “The quality of life in Dover is enhanced by the pools.”
Photo caption: Dover resident Ken Costello displays his winning “Dover Swims” design. The logo was submitted as part of a contest to find a new logo and motto to help promote Dover’s public pools. (Courtesy photo)