Michael D’Andrea Composes/2

Contact: Judy Palermo

Public Information Officer

Piscataway Township Schools

(732) 572-2289 ext. 2582

(732) 221-4970 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PISCATAWAY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HEARS A SYMPHONY

Michael D’Andrea Composes for

Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir

Piscataway, NJ, May 6, 2015 – When members of the Piscataway High School Chamber Choir took the stage for their winter concert, both their music and their conductor were a bit unusual. Michael D’Andrea, a senior at the school, stood in front of the Choir, ready to lead them though their piece. The notes the studentssang were composed by D’Andrea -- a Gregorian chant set to music.

D’Andrea only began composing music two years ago, but he’s already amassed a portfolio that includes works for a full band, as well as chamber pieces for both orchestra and choir. He’s been encouraged to compose by Piscataway High School music teachers Dr. Christopher Sumner, Ms. Megan Suozzo and Mr. Edward Gornick, who worked with him to have his compositions recorded by the school’s Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir.

Those recordings became the basis for D’Andrea’s college audition portfolio. “The music faculty at Piscataway High School was happy to work with Michael to bring his scores to life,” said Dr. Sumner. “It was an incredible opportunity for all of our students, as they all gained insight into how a score is put together.”

D’Andrea’s primary instrument is trumpet, which he first picked up in fourth grade at Arbor School. He felt an immediate connection with the instrument that continues to this day. He began composing seriously after he reached high school, wherethe AP Music Theory course expanded his knowledge of how music works – its forms, harmonies and rhythms.

“I took advantage of all the musical opportunities at Piscataway High School, and encourage every music student to do the same,” said D’Andrea. “At PHS I am the President of the Tri-M Music Honors Society, the lead trumpet and arranger for the Brass Quintet, and the co-founder,

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co-president, and solo cornetist for the John Philip Sousa Ensemble.In addition, I play lead

trumpet in the Jazz Band, Pit Band, Marching Band, Symphonic Orchestra, and am first trumpet in Wind Ensemble.”

And in his spare time, D’Andrea plays in a small jazz ensemble with fellow P’way musicians Jeremy Wilson, Nigel Chandrika, Ryan Permaul, Arthur Agulto, Michael D'Andrea and Euna Shin, and recent additions Ralph Costas, Joshua Joyner and Justin Rollack.

This fall, D’Andrea will attend the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he was awarded the prestigious Carr Scholarship, which considers both talent and academics. He will major in music composition. D’Andrea’s ultimate career goal is to become a conductor-composer of concert and film music, writing for full orchestras, small ensembles, and even musical theater. He’s already on his way.

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About Piscataway Township Schools

Serving over 7,000 students, Piscataway Township Schools provide K - 12 and preschool programming, special education instructional programs and services, as well as before and aftercare, adult education classes, youth enrichment programs, and summer youth programs. The mission of the Piscataway Public Schools is the continual development of each child’s intellectual, aesthetic, social and physical abilities in a positive environment that fosters self-esteem, to help each student realize their abilities and gifts.