Musically Gifted Students Recognized by Board of Education

The Cranford Board of Education honored the musically gifted students of the district at their meeting Monday night. The Board recognized students who were selected to be members of many prestigious musical groups, including the All-State Mixed Chorus; the All-State Orchestra; the Region II High School Band; the ACDA National Honor Choirs; the All-State Band; the All-State Women’s Chorus; the Region II Intermediate Band and Orchestra; the Region II Intermediate String Orchestra; and the NJMEA/ACDA Honor Choirs. 

Students who recently were among the honorees. Maeve Brady, Cara Costa and Matthew Stoke, each Rising Star Award nominees, were accepted into the All-State Mixed Chorus. Brady was also accepted into the ACDA National Honor Choirs, which traveled to Chicago to rehearse and perform during the American Choir Director’s National Convention. Students at the elementary level were acknowledged as well.

Samantha Gordon and Garrett Forrestal of Hillside Avenue School were selected for the ACDA National Honor Choirs. In addition, Hillside singers Zachary Batista, Garrett Forrestal, Alexsander LoGiudice, Alexandra Milan, Sofiya Nayda, and Todd Sweeney were each chosen to represent Cranford in the 2011 NJMEA/ACDA Honors Choirs.

Instrumentally skilled students were also praised. Bassoon player Kyle Gautieri was selected for the All-State Band and the Region II High School Band. Hillside students Olivia Dineen and Dorothy Qu were accepted to the Region II Intermediate Band and Orchestra, while Olivia Davis of Orange was accepted to the Region II Intermediate String Orchestra.

Student Bridget McCoy had the unique distinction of being honored for both her vocal and instrumental achievements. McCoy was selected to play with the All-State Orchestra, as well as perform with the ACDA National Honor Choirs.

“Not only can she sing, but she can play an incredible French horn," Superintendent Dr. Gayle Carrick said.

Carrick spoke proudly of all the students' success. 

“These students give new meaning to the phrase, 'making music,'" she said. "They create some of the most beautiful musical sounds I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. You continue to make us all proud."

 Carrick thanked Anthony Rafaniello, Daniel Chernosky and Lynn Berry for their dedication and efforts with their students. She also acknowledged the efforts of the performers' parents. 

 "Especially, I’d like to thank the parents of our wonderful singers," she said. "Because I know that embracing this musical profession goes on before school, after school, and many of our students have additional training throughout the summer and school year. Parents, thank you for sharing the gift of these beautiful voices of students with us.”

 For a full list of honorees, see below.