From GMS to Carnegie Hall

Eight Geneseo Middle School band musicians performed at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall on Sunday, June 25.

The students appeared at Carnegie Hall as part of the Honors Performance Series.

“Students from all over the world applied by creating a recording and resume. There more that 1,000 applicants applying to participate in the Junior Honors Orchestra, Choir and Band,” said GMS band director John Versluis. “The band was made up of 107 middle school students. Overall there were 43 states represented and several providences in Canada, Australia and Taiwan.”

Over these past four years Geneseo Middle School has had a total of 29 students participate in this prestigious event.

This year’s participants included: Chloe Shomo, Taylor VanDeVoorde, Emily Roberts, Brynley Castro, Eleni Andrios, Ian Swan, William Plumley and Thomas Robinson.

“These kids had the opportunity to see a Broadway musical, enjoy a celebration at Planet Hollywood in Times Square and perform on stage at the great Carnegie Hall,” said Versluis.

They were under the direction of Dr. Ken Ozzello, director of bands at the University of Alabama.