The Greater Amsterdam School District is proud to recognize October’s Musicians of the Month, who have each demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership within our music programs. Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and commitment to excellence:
Brody Apholz (AHS Percussion) Brody, a key member of the Marching Rams’ front ensemble, has shown remarkable growth over the past two years. As a talented percussionist, he contributes greatly to the ensemble’s success, helping it shine at halftime shows. Brody is known for his dedication, consistently arriving early and staying late to handle equipment setup and breakdown. His work with his percussion advisor has also made him knowledgeable in the proper care of mallet instruments, making him an invaluable asset to the Marching Rams.
Brody Apholz
Lianelys Oviedo (AHS Voice) Lianelys, a senior, has been an active participant in the Amsterdam Choral program throughout her academic journey. A skilled vocalist and musician, she leads by example in Select Chorus and Mixed Chorus, where her infectious energy uplifts those around her. Lianelys is also a dedicated supporter of her fellow students and has performed in school musicals for the past three years. With aspirations to pursue music professionally, Lianelys’s future is bright, and we are excited to see where her talent will take her.
Lianelys Oviedo
Carson Parker (AHS General Music) Carson, a student in Mrs. Nagell’s sixth-period music class, brings enthusiasm to every performance. Whether he’s singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, Carson’s passion and pride in his accomplishments are evident to all.
Carson Parker
John Negron (LLA Bass Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone) John, an eighth-grader at Lynch Literacy Academy, is an accomplished musician who plays bass clarinet in the concert band and bari sax in the jazz band. Known for his generosity and dedication, John frequently helps younger students during lessons, always encouraging others and expanding his own musical knowledge through constant practice. He performs across various ensembles from sixth to eighth grade, demonstrating his commitment to the band program.
John Negron
McKenzie Bouck (LLA Voice) A member of Select Chorus 7 at LLA, McKenzie is a confident and committed singer who always brings her best to rehearsals. She shows dedication to her growth as a musician by participating in solo voice lessons, and we look forward to her future achievements.
McKenzie Bouck
Yaxira Negron (LLA Flute) Yaxira, a talented seventh-grade flautist, is known for her consistency and readiness to tackle challenges. She has taken on a mentoring role, assisting sixth-grade band classes during her advisory period and offering guidance to young flautists. Yaxira’s leadership makes our middle school band program a welcoming place for all.
Yaxira Negron
Levi Lorensen and Max Acevedo (LLA Electronic Music) In their Recording & Production class, Levi and Max have proven themselves as group leaders on their first project. Both students show creativity and are open to constructive feedback, consistently working to improve and produce high-quality music.
Levi Lorensen and Max Acevedo
Ivan Cichello (Curie General Music) Although he has never taken formal lessons, Ivan, a second-grader at Curie, shows remarkable natural talent. He picks up classroom instruments with ease, creating harmonious sounds and finding melodies by ear on the ukulele and keyboard. Ivan’s potential is boundless, and we look forward to seeing his musical journey unfold.
Ivan Cichello
Milena Maza (Tecler General Music) Milena, a first-grader at Tecler, brings boundless enthusiasm to her music class. A natural leader, she has even taught her classmates songs in Spanish, sharing her love of music and language.
Milena Maza
Jacob Hall (Tecler Trombone) Jacob, a fifth-grade trombone player, has made an impressive start in the band. Known for his respectfulness and hard work, Jacob holds the record for the “long tone challenge” at 55 beats in a single breath, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Jacob Hall
We celebrate these students’ achievements and look forward to their continued success in music. Congratulations to our October Musicians of the Month!