They’re off to join “the best of the best” of nationwide student musicians: Wayland High School’s Zachary Knapp and Siddhanth Iyer will sing in the 2017 All-National Honor Choir alongside top young talent from all 50 states. Knapp, a senior who sings bass, and Iyer, a junior tenor, were chosen for the choir through a rigorous audition process of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). They will sing alongside outstanding young contemporaries on Nov. 28, 2017, at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Conducting the choir will be the distinguished director and composer Dr. Z. Randall Stroope.
Both Knapp, 17, and Iyer, 16, are music students of Wayland High School teacher Rachel Carroll.
Knapp, who said he was “thrilled” at his acceptance into the nationals, began singing only during his freshman year. “I’m amazed that I have come this far in just three years,” he said. “I’m very grateful to Mrs. Carroll for helping me improve over the years. I hope that this year I can continue my success and not only have a fantastic concert at Nationals, but continue to be accepted to Senior District and All State.”
Iyer observed, “To me, it’s tough to process the scale of the event. All State seems massive itself, considering that it brings kids together from all over an entire state. Personally, I don’t think I will truly realize the magnitude of the Nationals event until I go there, introduce myself to others, and potentially hear that they live 3000 miles away from me. However, I find it incredible that despite the vast geographical distances between us, we can all come together and share a true passion for singing and music. I’m extremely excited to experience the event, and I’m especially thankful to the Wayland Music Program as a whole for helping me in reaching such a prestigious level.”
Rachel Carroll, Wayland High School Choral Arts teacher, said, “Zach and Sid have worked hard for this achievement, and I’m so proud of their incredible musicianship. They deserve their place among the best young musicians in the country.”
Director of Fine Arts for the Wayland Public Schools, Susan Memoli, noted: “Achieving membership in this prestigious national ensemble is the culmination of years of time and effort by these students, their music teachers and their parents. This exceptional achievement is a point of pride for the Wayland Fine Arts Department. To be selected as two of 281 vocalists nationally from a highly competitive pool is a great honor.”
“Zach and Sid’s rare and memorable achievement makes us all so proud. That they will be representing WHS on a national stage is thrilling!” remarked Allyson Mizoguchi, Principal of Wayland High School.
In order to reach the national level, students first must audition, be accepted, and participate in their District’s Senior Festival. The highest scoring students are invited to audition for their state’s All State Music Festival. The students from the state ensembles then compete to advance to the national level. There they will work for several days with their respective conductor before the Florida All-National concerts.
Only 13 Massachusetts students were accepted for the All-National Honor Choir.
The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 60,000 members, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States.
Submitted by Rachel Carroll
