2019 Scholarship Recepients: Sara Brown & Ben O'Connell
The Oneida Area Civic Chorale has awarded its 2019 Senior Scholarships to Sara Brown and Benjamin O’Connell. Brown, a senior student at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, and O’Connell, an Oneida High School senior, will each receive $500 toward their future study of music. The Chorale offers the scholarships to area high school seniors who have displayed musical talent in school and community performances and plan to engage in musical study beyond high school, either as music majors or in extracurricular areas.
Sara Brown, of Black Avenue W in Vernon, will attend Ithaca College and major in Theatre Studies. She has been involved with the VVS Drama Club throughout her high school years, and has had leading roles the last three years, most recently appearing as “Paulette” in Legally Blond. She has also been involved in directing at VVS, J.D. George Elementary, and at the District Drama Club Kids’ Camp at VVS. Brown has been involved in musical groups at VVS, including Chorus and Select Choir, and has been part of All County, Area All State, and Conference All State Choirs. She has also competed in NYSSMA Solo Festivals as a vocalist. Brown is currently studying with Mrs. Lauralyn Kolb at Hamilton College. Mr. Adam Chandler, Vocal Instructor at VVS, praises Brown’s talent and says, “Sara’s work ethic and intrinsic motivation will create the type of opportunities that allow one to be successful in the field of performing.” |
Benjamin O’Connell, of Florence Avenue, Oneida, has been involved in music and musical theater since he was a child. He began performing with Victoria Buda’s Academy of Theatrical Arts in 2009, acted in musicals in middle school, and performed with the OHS Drama Department in every musical during his time at OHS, including the role of “Sam Carmichael” in this spring’s production of Mamma Mia. O’Connell has been a member of OHS Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, and has participated in All County and Area All State choruses, as well as NYSSMA Solo Festivals. Additionally, he has been selected as a member of ACDA and NAFME Eastern Conference choruses. O’Connell is also a trombonist in the OHS Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. OHS Band Director David Hawthorne states, “Ben has been a hard worker here in Oneida. He has a strong moral character and is loyal, caring and compassionate of others.” Outside of school, he is a member of the Jr. B Sharp Musical Club of CNY and studies voice with Mrs. Lauralyn Kolb of Hamilton College. O’Connell plans to attend Syracuse University and major in Music Education. Brown and O’Connell will receive their awards and perform at the OACC’s upcoming concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Rome, 108 Court St., Rome, on May 19 at 4:00 PM. Tickets for “The Great Thanksgiving: Songs of Peace, Thanks and Brotherhood” are $10, and are available from Chorale members, at W.J. Hinman Jewelers, 115 Main St., Oneida, and by calling 315-655-3007. |
2018 OACC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
The Oneida Area Civic Chorale has awarded its 2018 Senior Scholarship to Rebecca Matte of Martin Drive, Rome. Matte, a senior student at Rome Free Academy, will receive $500 toward her future study of music. The Chorale offers the scholarship to area high school seniors who have displayed musical talent in school and community performances and plan to engage in musical study beyond high school, either as music majors or in extracurricular areas.
Matte, a vocalist and flutist, has taken advantage of all available music opportunities throughout her school years in Rome, serving key roles and leadership positions in most. She has sung in the RFA Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Select Choir, Fermata Nowhere A Cappella Choir, and the Rhapsody Show Choir. She has played the flute and piccolo in the RFA Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. Matte has played lead and featured roles in RFA musicals, and has participated in All-County, All-State and Conference groups. As a senior, Matte was Principal Soprano in the Area All-State Chorus, a soloist at Conference All State Mixed Chorus, and an alternate for the All National Mixed Chorus. She has studied voice with Brittany Lynch and Michele Madonia-Rushford.
In addition to her music activities at RFA, Matte is currently the president of the French Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and a 2017 recipient of the RFA Leadership Award.
Outside the school setting, Matte has shared her talent with the community by performing the National Anthem for Wreaths Across America, Roman Runners Honor America Days, the Alzheimer’s Association walk at SUNY Poly, and the swearing in ceremony for Rome City Councilors. She also volunteers at Jervis Public Library, Dollars for Scholars, and Special Olympics. In the summer of 2017, Matte took part in a European tour with American Music Abroad, performing with both the Wind Ensemble and the Choir. The students toured and performed concerts in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands.
Matte intends to continue her music education at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Music Performance and Music Education. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree, and then spend her life as a music educator. Matte states, “I want to have the same impact on young musicians that my wonderful teachers have had on me. I want to inspire students to work hard and chase their dreams.”
Brittany Lynch, Matte’s middle school and private vocal instructor, states, “Rebecca has always excelled musically and has worked extremely hard to remain at the top of her class. She is a responsible and passionate young lady, and frequently volunteers her time and talent to the Rome community.”
Matte will receive her scholarship and perform at the Chorale’s “Musical World of Disney” concert on Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 PM at Oneida High School.
Matte, a vocalist and flutist, has taken advantage of all available music opportunities throughout her school years in Rome, serving key roles and leadership positions in most. She has sung in the RFA Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Select Choir, Fermata Nowhere A Cappella Choir, and the Rhapsody Show Choir. She has played the flute and piccolo in the RFA Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. Matte has played lead and featured roles in RFA musicals, and has participated in All-County, All-State and Conference groups. As a senior, Matte was Principal Soprano in the Area All-State Chorus, a soloist at Conference All State Mixed Chorus, and an alternate for the All National Mixed Chorus. She has studied voice with Brittany Lynch and Michele Madonia-Rushford.
In addition to her music activities at RFA, Matte is currently the president of the French Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and a 2017 recipient of the RFA Leadership Award.
Outside the school setting, Matte has shared her talent with the community by performing the National Anthem for Wreaths Across America, Roman Runners Honor America Days, the Alzheimer’s Association walk at SUNY Poly, and the swearing in ceremony for Rome City Councilors. She also volunteers at Jervis Public Library, Dollars for Scholars, and Special Olympics. In the summer of 2017, Matte took part in a European tour with American Music Abroad, performing with both the Wind Ensemble and the Choir. The students toured and performed concerts in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands.
Matte intends to continue her music education at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Music Performance and Music Education. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree, and then spend her life as a music educator. Matte states, “I want to have the same impact on young musicians that my wonderful teachers have had on me. I want to inspire students to work hard and chase their dreams.”
Brittany Lynch, Matte’s middle school and private vocal instructor, states, “Rebecca has always excelled musically and has worked extremely hard to remain at the top of her class. She is a responsible and passionate young lady, and frequently volunteers her time and talent to the Rome community.”
Matte will receive her scholarship and perform at the Chorale’s “Musical World of Disney” concert on Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 PM at Oneida High School.