The Greater Amsterdam School District is proud to recognize its January Musicians of the Month! These talented students have demonstrated exceptional musical ability, dedication, and leadership across a variety of programs, from band and chorus to general music classes.
Sam Valberg (AHS Percussion): Valberg is a senior percussionist who participates in the Amsterdam Marching Rams drum-line as section leader for the tenors and is a member of advanced concert band. He also serves as a tech for the newly formed AHS indoor drum-line, is a member of the Tri-M music Honor Society and is president of the Marching Rams. Sam has displayed an admirable passion for drum-line since his freshman year which has been seen in his dynamic leadership style and service to both the line and the band program as a whole. He is a role model to his peers and a source of support to his advisors and teachers. Sam’s friendly demeanor and outgoing attitude combined with his skills, have made him an asset to our program.
Sam Valberg
Sandra Hanson (AHS Voice): Hanson is a junior Select Chorus student who has been involved in our choral program since elementary school. Sandra is actively involved in colorguard, the drama club and was recently inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society at AHS. Sandra is a strong leader in her section, who is willing to lend a hand in multiple sections and works hard to keep our choral music organized and ready for rehearsals. She is a talented musician whose dedication and professionalism is very apparent. Sandra has made herself invaluable to our programs and we are proud to have her in our Select Chorus! Congratulations Sandra!
Sandra Hanson
Evelyn Hayes (LLA Trumpet): Hayes is a trumpet player in the LLA seventh grade band. This year, she has dedicated herself to becoming better at her instrument and practices every free moment that she gets at home and at school. Other students have taken notice of her dedication and she has quickly become a leader in her section and in band rehearsals. She is patient and kind, and never hesitates to help others when needed. Evelyn has quickly become one of the strongest players in our organization, and we are so proud of everything she has accomplished so far this year. Congratulations Evelyn!
Evelyn Hayes
Derrell Boyd Jr. (LLA Voice): Boyd Jr. is a member of Select Chorus eight and has been singing at LLA since the sixth grade. He has been selected to perform at All-County this year, too! He is also a very talented actor in the Theatre eight program this year. JR is a hard worker, a team player, and also leads his peers by always singing with confidence in class. He is a talented musician with a great ear and who’s always willing to try new things. You can catch JR playing percussion such as the tambourine and cajon during rehearsals and shows! Keep up the great work!
Derrell Boyd Jr.
Peyton Aesch (LLA Clarinet): Aesch is an outstanding clarinetist in sixth grand band at LLA. She comes down to the band room to practice with us during her advisory classes, and will be representing the city of Amsterdam as a clarinetist in the All County Junior Band in March. We are all very proud of the effort that Peyton has put forward this year and are so excited to see how she continues to grow in our band program here at LLA!
Peyton Aesch
Carter Countermine and Michael Gomez(Recording & Production: Electronic Music): Countermine and Gomez are currently working on our newest project, Movie Music. The students are adding the soundtrack and all sound effects to a short silent film. These two have been working diligently on their project showing their creativity in the sounds they are choosing, as well as working hard to make sure the sounds line up exactly where they need to. Stay tuned for their final project later this year!
Carter Countermine and Michael Gomez
Wyatt Agresta (General Music Seven): Agresta has shown awesome guitar skills over this past month. He follows along with all songs we learn as a class, challenges himself to play the full versions of chords, and learns chords on his own that we haven’t gotten to in class. Keep it up, Wyatt!
Wyatt Agresta
Skylar Jones (Curie GM): Jones is a Curie fifth grader who sings in Chorus, takes Clarinet Lessons in our fifth grade Band and also plays Guitar. Sklyar is a true leader and role model here as one of the most respectful, responsible, thoughtful, sweet and polite young ladies in our school. Skylar is such a hard worker and tries her best with everything she does. Her experience as a big sister at home shows at here school with how intuitive and helpful she is to both adults and her peers. We would be lost without her!
Skylar Jones
Aaron Lenz (Tecler GM): Lenz is doing an awesome job in music class this month! He has so much enthusiasm in music class, whether he is singing, dancing or playing an instrument! He is always quick to raise his hand to answer questions and is a great role model for his classmates! Great work, Aaron!!
Aaron Lenz