Norristown Area High School (NAHS) students Jetta R. and Brandon Z. auditioned and were selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s (PMEA) District 11 Choir. They both placed in the top 20 vocalists for their voice parts in all of Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Jetta is a senior at NAHS. She has been involved in music and performing since she was 5 years old. In addition to singing, she plays the horn and cello. Jetta aspires to become a performer, whether that is in musical theater or just singing in general. Jetta would like to thank her mom for always encouraging her to be her best, and Ms. Danoff (NAHS Choir Director) for all her help and support.
Brandon is also a senior at NAHS. Though he has only recently joined the music program at the high school, he is so happy he did. He is interested in studying music education in the future and potentially becoming a music teacher. Brandon would like to thank his dad for his unwavering support, and Ms. Danoff for all her help and encouragement.
For the audition, students learned two songs and performed a selected section from each. Students also had to demonstrate sight-singing, a melody they had not seen before, testing skills such as pitch and rhythm.
Jetta and Brandon were both pleasantly surprised and excited to be selected for the choir. This year’s District 11 Choir is composed of about 160 students from Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Jetta said she is “excited to meet new people; there’s so many people there that have the same passion, so it will be nice to work with people [who share that].”
Brandon added, “We know a few people from other schools, so it is nice to see [familiar faces], too.
Right now, Jetta and Brandon are practicing the music independently, and with the help of Ms. Danoff, with sheet music and audio files. The actual rehearsal process is not until 3 days before the performance. Students from all over Bucks and Montgomery Counties will join together at Bensalem High School to rehearse before their performance on January 26, 2024, at 7 PM.
Good luck Jetta and Brandon! NASD wishes you both all the best. #NASDProud
Photos credited to Dion Jackson, NAHS Senior