2015 Student Music Contest
Posted by Bud Jackson
on Feb 15, 2015
This week Paramount Rotary was visited by eight musicians from Paramount High School to compete with each other for cash prizes and the opportunity to compete at the Rotary District 5280 contest. The District competition is keen since there are about 70 clubs in the District, but Paramount has done well on that stage in the past. The musicians were accompanied by Mr. Edgar Ortega, Asst. Principal, and Mr. Hector Lujan, Dean.The group photo includes (Standing L-R) Mr. Ortega, Adrian Rocha, Diego Ayala, Juan Diaz, Josh Flores and Mr. Lujan. (Sitting L-R) Angela Gutierrez, Arlette Flores, Isaac Castaneda and Caitlin Fluentes.
Each musician took their turn to introduce themselves and tell us about the piece they had selected to perform. Adrian played the “Aria and Scherzo” by Frank Erikson on his clarinet. Diego choose “Marche Slave” by Tchaikovsky on flute. Juan performed “Aliman” arranged by Thomas Morley on trumpet. Josh competed for the third time in our contest and he sang and played guitar to a Lover’s Medley that he arranged, which included songs I remember from the fifties. Angela sang “Brave” by Sara Bareillis and was accompanied by Josh. Arlette performed “El Choclo” by A.G. Villodolo on flute. Isaac played an original piece he calls “Sympathy” on piano. Caitlin sang and played guitar to the song “Linger” by the Cranberries.
Rotarians and guests were given the task to select first, second and third place musicians. The cash prizes were $75, $50 and $25 respectively. First place was awarded to Isaac and he will go on to compete at the District 5280 competition. Josh took second place and Arlette was third.All of the musicians are winners and music makers who will benefit from their experience.
Please click on the photo link to see more of the musicians up close.
Other News . . .
Next week February 17 will be the studnet speech contest. The speakers will give their interpretation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.
Guests and friends of the club, Ed and Georgia Janik, were in attendance. Welcome to both of them.
Student Forum
The upcoming Student Forum well take place on Saturday Feb. 21st from 8:30 to 11:30 at Paramount High School. The Student Forum is a roundtable discussion with 9th through 12th graders participating. Students get a chance to voice their views on political, moral, and social issues of the day. We are looking for volunteers to help with this event. If you are interested please contact Ana Gonzalez or Isela Preciado at Paramount High School; 562-602-6011. Please attend this excellent event; you will not regret it.