The Greater Amsterdam School District is proud to recognize Novembers’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:
Matthew Young (AHS Alto Saxophonist/Senior Drum Major): Matthew Young is a talented senior musician. Matt’s passion for music has been evident in everything that he has done and accomplished over the past four years. He is The Senior Drum Major of the Marching Rams, a member of the AHS Advanced concert band, jazz ensemble, President of the Tri-M Music Honors society, and has played in several pit ensembles for the AHS Drama Club. Matthew has attended the NYSSMA Solo festival multiple times on alto saxophone, consistently receiving outstanding grades and last year was selected to play in the Area All-state Concert Band at Proctor’s Theater. Most recently, Matthew led the Marching Rams in the “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade” in Plymouth MA, where they placed first in the parade competition. Matt is not only a talented musician, but an incredible leader who puts his heart into everything he does. He is truly valued and appreciated by his peers and directors.
Matthew Young
Malaki Acevedo (AHS Voice): Malaki, a sophomore, has been an active participant in the Amsterdam Choral program. Malaki is a part of our Mixed Chorus and Select Chorus through independent study work. Malaki shows great initiative and focus when learning new music and preparing for performances. Malaki is a wonderfully kind and supportive student, who is helpful to all of those in his voice section. It has been great to see Malaki grow in our program and we look forward to seeing his work further!
Malaki Acevedo
George Kellogg (AHS GM): George Kellogg is a student in Mrs. DeMallie’s 5th period general music class. George consistently participates in singing, dancing and playing instruments. He is very attentive in class and when questions are asked, George politely waits his turn to answer and frequently has the correct answer. We are lucky to have George in our class.
George Kellogg
Xiaviah Kamraj (LLA Percussion): Xaviah is an 8th grade concert band percussionist and LLA Jazz vibraphone player. He consistently takes pride in his musical learning, while helping others every chance he gets. He plays a key role in the organization of the percussion section, and has been a help to every grade whether it is playing during rehearsals, working with people on their assigned parts, or practicing his own music to help the band . Xaviah is a caring student and accomplished musician, and we are lucky to have him in the LLA band program.
Xiaviah Kamraj
Janieliz Aviles (LLA Voice): Janieliz Aviles is a member of Select Chorus 8 at LLA. She sings Alto in the group and always inspires others around her with her positive attitude in rehearsals. She is always prepared for class and always ready to sing her best. She also shines bright in the Theatre 8 program at LLA! Keep up the great work, Janieliz!
Janieliz Aviles
Syadda Eesha Husain (LLA Saxophone): Eesha is a 7th grade bari sax player who absolutely loves band. She has been an incredible role model for our 6th graders, playing alongside them in their rehearsals whenever she can, and she’s always ready to help tidy up around the room and organize because she truly cares about making everyone's experience in the band room a positive one. Thank you for everything you do Eesha, keep up the great work!
Syadda Eesha Husain
Mason Kolbe (General Music 7): Mason spent our piano unit working on learning his song. He spent 100% of every class period focused and working to improve. He learned a difficult part of Darling, I by Tyler the Creator as well as other songs. Great job, Mason!
Mason Kolbe
Santaishia Henderson (General Music 7): Santaishia showed incredible musicianship during our piano unit! She listened to the song “Jingle Bell Rock” and figured out all of the notes by matching them up on the piano! She then wrote every letter down with the lyrics to serve as her sheet music. She worked hard every single class and even practiced at home on a paper piano she made. Great job, Santaishia!
Santaishia Henderson
Lilyanna Palma (Curie GM): Lily is a talented 5th grader at Curie who takes on every challenge that comes her way. This year, she joined the Orff Ensemble and started band lessons for percussion. Outside of school, Lily also takes piano lessons and is extremely committed to her craft. She has been accompanying her classmates in our grade level concerts since 2nd grade. Last spring, she attended the NYSSMA Solo Festival and performed a Level 2 Piano Solo. Over just the last few weeks, Lily has taken on several school performance projects including an “America the Beautiful” piano duet for Veteran’s Day and accompanying both chorus and guitar students for our December 5th Concert. Lily’s drive and work ethic as well as her professionalism and musicianship to accompany singers and perform with other instruments is unmatched and very impressive. Lily’s determined to keep learning and there’s no stopping her from achieving her goals. Can’t wait to see where this musical journey will take her!
Lilyanna Palma
Erick Gaines Jr. (McNulty GM): Erick is a 5th grader at McNulty. He consistently follows directions, both in music class and in chorus, showing a strong dedication to improving his skills. His commitment to doing his best is seen in every rehearsal, as he always gives his full effort. Erick’s polite and respectful attitude creates a positive atmosphere for everyone around him. Thank you, Erick, for your hard work and exemplary character!
Erick Gaines Jr.
Cameron Mickus (Tecler GM): Cameron is a 1st grade student in Mrs. Duchessi’s class at Tecler Elementary. Cameron always comes to class with a smile on his face and is so kind to all of his classmates. He works so hard at singing and playing instruments, whether it’s in a game or a song for our upcoming concert. Keep up the great work, Cameron!
Cameron Mickus
Lilyanna Concepcion (McNulty Flute): Lilyanna is a 5th grade band student at McNulty who plays the flute. Lily is always prepared for lessons with a can-do attitude! She looks out for the other students in band by helping them remember their lessons and instruments on band days. If another student is having trouble, she’s the first one to step up and help. Lily is a responsible leader in the band program - great job!
Lilyanna Concepcion