The Greater Johnstown School of Music held its annual summer performance and picnic Saturday afternoon.
The event, which is held on the school grounds in Geistown along Oakmont Boulevard, is the third for the school.
The afternoon featured solo, duet and group performances by the students ranging from ages 5 through adult.
Guitar student Allie Polash, 12, of Windber, was one of the day’s performers.
Polash believes the performance is an important part of her music education.
“It helps to give us experience so we can play in front of people,” she said.
Eleven-year-old drummer Justin Hrabosky of Brownstown agrees.
“It helps you learn to control your emotions and get in front of a big crowd,” he said.
“I’m not nervous at all,” said Joshua Shortt, 6, of Westmont, as he prepared to go before the crowd of about 100 people and play the drums.
His instructor, Scott Mort, took the young drummer aside and offered some advice.
‘If you make a mistake Josh, just keep on moving,” Mort said.
Tony Piskurich of Richland was in attendance to see his son, Nick, play the drums.
“This is a great opportunity for the kids to showcase what they do all year,” Piskurich said. “It is good for their self-esteem.
“It reinforces to the students that the performing arts is important. It is more than just sports.”
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Vrabel Awards, which is based on the day’s performance. The award is named after Jerry Vrabel, one of the school’s founders, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2007.
This year’s winners were: Jason Avramis, 12, of Salix, guitarist; Tyler Smith, 16, of Johnstown, guitarist; Cass Vivis, 12, of Davidsville, drums.
Mary Faiers is the director of the school and one of the organizers of the event.
“The students, as well as the parents, look forward to the event,” Faiers said.
Forming the teaching staff at the school are: Mort, Faiers, Don Wozniak, Dave Dzelsky, Larry McGiboney, Steve Muzzie, Ellen Callihan and Kevin Rizzo.
The school was founded in January 2005 by a group of former teachers for Oswald Music in Richland.
Local News
Related Photos
-
DeAnn Cardarella/For The Tribune-Democrat
Discussion
Music school students entertain at annual event
- Local News
-
-
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.
-
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.
-
Cambria abolishes 16 jobs
Following through on promises to cut budget costs, the Cambria County commissioners voted Thursday to abolish 16 positions, including nine full-time jobs.
-
Blogging with heart
Anyone else have this issue: The more I know, the more I want to learn.
As I am writing my heart month stories for this week’s packages, I occasionally come across a term or description unfamiliar to me. So I look it up. And then the definition or article has something else that sounds important, so I look that up. -
Wozniak defends his support of drilling bill
State Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont, one of only seven Democrats to support the Marcellus Shale legislation adopted this week, said the bill protects the environment and provides help to local communities impacted by the natural gas drilling.
-
Businessman hoping to unseat Wozniak
Tim Houser uses two words – “challenging opportunity” – to describe his goal in this year’s elections.
-
Judge tosses evidence in robbery
A Cambria County prosecutor said he’ll have to drop robbery charges against a Twin Rocks woman after much of his evidence was suppressed by a judge.
-
Shooting defendant pleads to attempted murder
A Philadelphia man pleaded guilty Thursday in county court to attempted murder and theft in a Nov. 18 home invasion in which the homeowner was shot.
-
Garrett man sought in Somerset crime
An arrest warrant has been issued for Samuel McFarland Jr., 33, of Berlin Street in Garrett in connection with Saturday’s robbery of two boys outside Dollar General on East Main Street in Somerset.
-
City man shot during alleged burglary
A Johnstown man was shot during a burglary attempt in Indiana County and then burglarized a home in Armstrong County before he was arrested, authorities said Thursday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
