Knotty Oak musicians ear awards

06/18/2007

Knotty Oak musicians earn awards

Amanda K. Lowe , Daily Times


	Chorus director Kristen Nester (left) and band director Anthony Costa (right) pose with honored music students.

COVENTRY - Musicians and singers at Knotty Oak Middle School took their talents around the country this year.

According to Anthony Costa, the band director at the school, almost half of the school participates in the music program, which totals 450 students.

This year, students traveled to New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Six Flags New England to participate in different music festivals, Costa said.

"Those are on top of all the in-state concerts we do," Costa said. "The students really had a lot of opportunities this year to showcase their talents."

At the end of May, the music department held a special night for eighth-grade members to reflect on their accomplishments over the past three years, Costa said.

Soleil River and Amanda Paul received the chorus student of the year awards; Stephen Pratt and Julia Lafen received the band student of the year awards; Josh Lessard won the jazz student of the year award; and Sarah Koerner and Haylee McHale received a new award called the Charlie Parker Award, which honored their dedication to the jazz band.

"These eighth-graders will be missed by the music department here," Costa said. "They all have such great talent."

Last week, the music department held an ice cream sundae party to celebrate all the students' accomplishments. At the party, the students reflected upon everything they have gained through the music department.

"It's awesome," said Kelsey Johansen. "It's a lot of fun and we really learn a lot. Mr. Costa is a great teacher. He really thinks about our future and what he can do to help."

"It's really fun and it is a great way to keep kids busy and out of trouble," said Taylor Therrien. "It's an extracurricular activity so the kids who join really want to be there and they work very hard."

"It's a great opportunity," said Nicole Jacavon. "It allows us to get into the community and showcase our talents."

Several seventh-graders said they were excited about the coming year and participating once again in the Knotty Oak Middle School music program.

"I have enjoyed it so far and I am looking forward to next year," said Nicole Toolin. "I've gotten to know a lot of different people. Not only do we get to travel to play in the band but we also learn a lot about the instruments we play. It's great."

"Everyone thinks that if you are in the band you are a band geek," said Jamie Pratt. "That's not the case. It's actually a lot of fun and the trips we go on are amazing. It's a great experience to perform at all the different places."

Costa said he is looking forward to continuing the success of the program next year.

"I'm really excited as these seventh-grade students move up," Costa said. "It will be great to get the new students started as well. There is a lot to look forward to. We hope our trips next year will be just as successful as our trips this year."