Sparta students selected for county band and chorus

SPARTA — On Oct. 12 auditions were held at Kittatinny Regional High School for the 2011 All-Sussex County Honors Band and Chorus. This group, sponsored by The Sussex County Music Educators Association, is comprised of musicians and singers from high schools throughout the county. Each year, hundreds of local students audition for a chance to participate. To be selected for the All-Sussex County High School Band and Choir, students must take part in a rigorous audition process. Therefore, to be selected for the All-County Band and Chorus is quite an achievement. As a testament to Sparta’s music program, year after year Sparta High School students comprise a majority of the members in these county band ensembles. This year was no exception, as 23 Sparta High School students successfully auditioned for these groups. They are: Eryk Banatt, Jeff Blum, Jarryd Boyle, Cal Cacciaguida, Linda Carlson, Ian Clark, Victoria DeBitetto, Jared Decker, Sean Distefano, Michael Griffin, Peter Jin, Socrates Leotsakos, Tyler Pelle, Zac Petrucci, Khalid Rouilli, Cristina Saltos, Michael Schiumo, Nicolette Schluter, Ben Skalla, Brian Skalla, Nicole Smith, Jeremy Valshtein, and Lauren Waselik. The guest conductor for this year is Professor Darryll Bott from Rutgers University. A concert will be held at Sparta High School on Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. All are welcome.