Ashayana Parnoose pictured with Congressman Latimer and Jennifer Lanser
On Sunday, March 9th, Songcatchers, Inc. held its inaugural talent competition at the Ossie Davis Theatre in the New Rochelle Public Library. Given the enthusiastic response, a second annual event is certainly on the horizon! Congressman George Latimer presented prizes to the winners and encouraged the students to continue their musical journeys.
The competition featured 18 diverse acts, including the Garcia Sisters, ages 6 and 8, who performed Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s award-winning song “Die With a Smile,” and Jackson Cavanaugh, who delivered a rock guitar rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Cavanaugh, a multi-instrumentalist, is a student in the NRHS PAVE program and teaches piano for Songcatchers, secured third place. The top prize of $300 went to Ashayana Parnoose (pictured with Congressman Latimer and Jennifer Lanser), a Songcatchers vocal teacher and Ursuline student, who wowed the audience with a selection from “The Color Purple.” If you wish to see her perform live, she is invited back to perform at the Songcatchers Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Concert on April 27th also at the NR Public Library.
The competition welcomed talented individuals of all ages, including adults, with participants hailing from Trinity School in New Rochelle and the French American School in Larchmont. Performances included a captivating violin solo by middle schooler Emmanuel Diaz and a piano solo by the artistic David Casatano, both of whom take lessons at Songcatchers. Additionally, the Songcatchers Orchestra, who won the 2nd place, delivered an engaging performance dressed as pirates, embodying their genre selection. Many contestants chose to sing an array of songs, spanning from show tunes and pop songs to beloved Disney classics.
The panel of volunteer judges was varied and engaged the young participants with support and reassurance. Carl Francese, a local guitarist who records his own music and provided genuine commentary for the performers. Sylvia Hamer, Executive Director of HOPE Community Services, NYS Gaming Board Commissioner and Choir Member of Shiloh Baptist Church, offered grace and praise to the contestants. Ralph Parente, the third judge is a local drummer from the band Under Cover and infused humor and encouragement into the competition.
Every performer left with a participation certificate and an experience that rivaled any televised talent competition. Jennifer Lanser, Executive Director of Songcatchers, expressed her satisfaction with the event, stating, “This was yet another opportunity for us to provide performance experiences for our Songcatchers and to discover new talent. Performing enhances their confidence, and receiving evaluations from our considerate judges enables them to gain constructive and supportive feedback.”
Songcatchers offers affordable music programs to over 160 students for as low as $15 for an 1 ½ hour session. To enroll as a student, volunteer, or donate, please call (914) 654-1178 or visit www.songcatchers.org.
Located in New Rochelle, NY, Songcatchers began in 1978 with a small school choir. A sleep-away choir camp followed in 1980 and the organization was incorporated in 1994. Current programming includes an After-School Music Program which teaches 13 instruments and voice to children ages 7-13, An Early Childhood Program for children ages 1 ½ -6, a Choral Arts Program and an Orchestra. The Songcatchers mission is to provide accessible high-quality music education, training and enrichment for all. They offer students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. The unique model that Songcatchers fosters is community, mutual respect, kindness, self-esteem, leadership development and an appreciation and equity in the arts. Their motto is Reaching for Peace through Music. Their programming is made possible by the New YorkState Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature and ArtsWestchester with the support from Westchester County Government and other generous organizations & donors.
