Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Central singers earned two gold ratings at the Forum Music Festival

Central singers earned two gold ratings at the Forum Music Festival at Fullerton, Calif. March 20. Both Concert Choir and A Cappella Anonymous earned the festival’s highest rating following their performances. A rating of gold signifies that the judges believe that the performance should be rated in the top 10% of all choirs. In addition to the gold, the Men's Section for Concert Choir received the Outstanding Musicianship Award and Erika Lopez received the outstanding soloist award for her performance with A Cappella Anonymous. The concert choir was accompanied by school piano teacher, David Schmitz.

Source: Phoenix Union High School District

Grammy Foundation

Central and Maryvale music students got a first-hand insight into the music industry from professionals at a Career Day, March 25, brought to Phoenix by the GRAMMY Foundation.

Students heard from panelists Larry Batiste, a producer, vocalist, songwriter, publisher instrumentalist and arranger, Manny Marroquin, an engineer and four-time GRAMMY winner. Batiste has written and published over 300 songs and has worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, Keyshia Cole and Al Jarreau. Marroquin has worked with Usher, Alicia Keyes; Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez and John Legend. About 80 students from Central, and over 100 at Maryvale asked questions about the recording industry, technology, performing and producing. It is part of the foundation’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities.

Central and Maryvale were two of 31 national finalists for a GRAMMY Foundation
grant.

Source: Phoenix Union High School District