©
By Jan Gaillard
Correspondent
Lynnhaven
Cheryl JoAnn Leighton is busy packing her xylophone mallets.
The First Colonial High School rising senior will represent America in Europe this summer as a percussionist with The Sound of America 2009 honor band, a national performing organization celebrating 33 years in existence this year.
Cheryl will tour for 24 days in July with about 150 select band and chorus students from around the United States. Outstanding music students auditioned for the group, which will perform 10 concerts in halls and cathedrals throughout the tour.
As an eighth-grader, Cheryl had no idea that music would take her on travels to six countries - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Luxembourg.
"I had a decision to make when I was in eighth grade," said Cheryl, a London Bridge area resident. "I needed an elective and I chose band, and now I love it. It's fun being with people that love making music."
Already a musician when she chose percussion, the 17-year-old has taken piano lessons for nine years. She has served as drum major for the Marching Patriots, as well as percussionist for First Colonial's Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and Wind Ensemble. During the past year, Cheryl was selected for the All-District Band, All-State Band, Senior Regional Orchestra and the Dominion Storm indoor drumline.
The busy teen was also selected for All-State Chorus and All-District Chorus, as well as being selected as a Brickell Scholar, all while maintaining a 4.3 GPA.
"I know there are studies out there that suggest music helps with academics," Cheryl said. "Being so involved in music helps me stay on top of my goals. I find that if I stay busy I work harder."
It's typical Cheryl behavior, said Heather Smith, band director at First Colonial High School.
"She's one of the hardest-working students in the band," Smith said. "Cheryl comes in extra hours to organize and helps other students with their music. She's in all sorts of honor societies and outside organizations. She's an all-around great musician and a wonderful person."
Her private percussion teacher, Tim Rossettini, is also band director at Tallwood High School.
"Cheryl's one of those types of kids you want to have more of," said Rossettini. "She's a great natural leader and a really hard worker - she always wants to learn. She's one of my best private students."
The band and chorus will present selections such as "76 Trombones," "Hooray for Hollywood," "Tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra," "Radetzky Marsch," "The Carnival of Venice" and more.
"It feels like a big honor," said Cheryl, who plans a double major in music and mathematics for a teaching career. "It's pressure, too, because I've never been given such a big job to do. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Jan Gaillard,
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
