Kutztown Area High School seniors Maria Marmarou and Olivia Sica will perform in the National Association for Music Education’s 2017 All-National Honor Ensembles Jazz Band and Choir concerts at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. on Nov. 28.
Maria, who plays drum set, is a member of the KHS Jazz Band and will perform in the All-National Honor Jazz Band.
Olivia is a member of the KHS Chorus and will perform in the All-National Honor Choir.
“To get into the All-National Ensemble you have to make it into All-State first,” explained Maria. “From there, you can audition to All-Nationals.”
“With singers, you have to make Districts, then Regionals, then States as well, then audition for nationals,” said Olivia.
They each had to record themselves performing the audition piece and submit it. At this stage, they have both been selected to perform in All-Nationals.
“It feels awesome,” said Maria.
Olivia agreed with that feeling.
“I’m really excited. It’s going to be super fun,” said Olivia.
“It shows how much work we’ve put into it,” said Maria.
“More than anything it’s preparedness and your work ethic,” added Olivia.
“Maria’s a great drummer,” said Olivia.
“Olivia’s a great singer,” said Maria.
Maria enjoys the opportunity to meet other musicians through participating in groups such as All-Nationals.
“Meeting a lot of new people and musicians who like doing what you do,” said Maria.
“Connecting with other musicians is probably the best part,” said Olivia.
While participating at All-Nationals, they will rehearse with their respective groups, perform and then get to go to Disney World.
“Personally, I’m really excited to play with top notch musicians because you don’t get many chances to do that. That was my favorite part about All-State,” said Maria. “I’m looking forward to this. The musicians there are insane so it’s going to be fun.”
“It’s really awesome to be with people who actually enjoy what they do and are really passionate about it,” said Olivia. “At festivals, it’s really easy to find people who really love music like I do.”
Maria wants to entertain people with music.
“I want to make people have a good time with music,” said Maria.
After high school they both hope to pursue music studies and performance in college.
On Nov. 28-29, the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) 2017 All-National Honor Ensembles will perform at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. The Jazz Band and Choir concerts take place 7:30-9 p.m., Nov. 28. The concerts are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
