Tamara Mills, an eighth grade student at Edon Northwest Local Schools, has been selected for the 2015 Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. In June, Tamara will join other sopranos at the Midtown Manhattan concert site as part of the Honors Junior Choir. Participation in an Honors Ensemble is limited to the highest-rated middle school performers from across North America.
Tamara auditioned for the Honors Performance Series in the fall and was accepted after a review of her materials by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Tamara will come together with other performers from forty-nine states, several Canadian provinces and numerous foreign countries for a special concert at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.
According to Nancy Richardson, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Junior Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We process thousands of nominations annually, selecting only the most talented performers. Working with world-renowned conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these student-musicians never forget.”
The daughter of Jeff and Jaleena Mills, Tamara has studied vocal and instrumental music for five years and is a member of the Edon Northwest Junior High Choir. Cathy Frastaci, choir director, nominated and mentored Tamara through the audition process and is extremely proud of her student’s wonderful achievement.
In response to her selection as a Junior Finalist, Tamara said, “When I found out, I was really excited; it’s a great and amazing opportunity for me. I love singing and I’ve never been to New York City before. Just realizing I can go makes me feel like this is the best opportunity I’ve been given. It’s truly a great honor ~ a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll always remember!”
Over the past two years, Tamara has also served as Junior High Choir Librarian; participated in OMEA Junior High Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Events; was part of the 2015 OMEA District 1 Junior High Honors Choir; accompanied the choir during rehearsals and was recipient of the Outstanding Choir Leadership Award in 2014. She is a member of the Edon Junior High Band as well.
To help with trip expenses, Tamara has planned a number of community fundraisers in the weeks ahead. On Saturday, May 2, she will be making pizzas at Nettie’s Stop & Shop on Nettle Lake (17988 County Road 4-75) and for every pizza ordered, Nettie’s will donate one dollar to Tamara’s fund. Music lovers will also enjoy listening to Tamara perform a variety of songs on the keyboard for tips at Edon Steakhouse on Friday nights from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In addition to a forthcoming bake sale, donation cans are being placed across the area for community support to get Tamara to New York.
Junior Finalists will come together for five days in June 2015 in New York City for a unique opportunity to learn from Conductor Greg Gilpin, work with other Junior Finalists and get a taste of “The Big Apple”. The concert at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 27, is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning sixty days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school and middle school musicians on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com
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