Congratulations to 15-year-old PCC Voice Student Nathanael (Nate) Barlow for winning the Apollo’s “Child Star of Tomorrow” competition!
by Graziella DiNuzzo
Nate Barlow’s Certificate reads: “On the 24th day of May 2023, I, Nathanael Barlow, performed from the stage of the World Famous Apollo Theater as an Amateur Night contestant, and am worthy of inclusion in that body of fearless people of great internal strength and self confidence, and belief in my own talent, so as to dare to appear before the heralded Apollo Theater audience, with its reputation for being a tough and demanding audience and strongly demonstrating its approval, or disapproval, of a performer’s efforts.”
Nate Barlow enrolled in PCC’s Summer Camp Program in 2020 to continue his violin studies but quickly changed his mind and realized he wanted to sing. “I chose a song and was helped work through it with the band by Mr. Ramundo, the summer voice teacher, and the Music Director, Henri McMillan. I ended the summer program with my first-ever performance for the general public. Soon after, I officially began my education at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, where I take music theory, piano, voice, and vocal performance, and receive mentorship from a number of teachers and performing artists.” Nate currently studies voice under the direction of singer and educator, Ms. Sherry Butler.
PCC Trombone Student Henry Koban Payne Wins 11th Annual Dr. J. Douglas Essentially Ellington Student Composition and Arranging Contest!
Henry Koban Payne of Lower Merion High School was selected as the winner of the 11th Annual Dr. J. Douglas White Essentially Ellington Student Composition & Arranging Contest! Payne’s original piece, entitled Too Selfish, was picked by a distinguished panel of judges, including world-famous trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis. Mr. Payne competed against a nationwide pool of student-composers, which included finalists from California, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Photo Credit: TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer, Philadelphia Inquirer
