OCEAN CITY – In honor of Esther Weil, the Friends of the Ocean City Pops held the annual high school student music performance competition at the Ocean City Music Pier May 5. Thirty-six students from Atlantic and Cape May county high schools participated.
The winners in each of the categories:
Pianists: 1. Eva Nye, EHT High School; 2. Jackson Mulford, Ocean City High School; 3. Luis Salvatierra, Oakcrest High School
Instrumentalists: 1. Theo Rowe, Mainland Regional High School; 2. Alexander Zyalenack, Ocean City High School.
Male Vocalists: 1. Patrick Mularz, Mainland Regional; 2. Nathan Lera, OCHS; 3. Jordan Miller, Cedar Creek High School.
Female Vocalists: 1. Lauren Pruitt, Absegami High School; 2. Mia Rodriguez, Middle Township High School; 3. Selena Lyons, Hammonton High School.
The competition was emceed by Sara Maimone, a professional vocalist and OCHS head librarian. Judges were Maestro Vince Lee, music director of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra; Greg DiBona, professional pianist; and Nicole Snodgrass, choral director at Ursinus College and music education instructor at TCNJ. Eric Svejcar, who appears frequently with the Pops, provided accompaniment as needed.
The High School Student Competition is among three significant outreaches sponsored annually by the Friends of the Ocean City Pops. Four $1,000 academic scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors from Atlantic and Cape May counties pursuing a career in music.
Visit oceancitypops.org for more information on the annual competition and scholarship programs. Additionally, each summer the Friends sponsor a Band Camp for grades 5-12. This year’s camp will be held June 22-26. Visit ocnj.recdesk.com for more information.