Whiz Kids: Loma Alta Kids to Perform in PUSD-Wide Choral Festival

In this week's Whiz Kids, we feature a group of Loma Alta and Don Benito students who will be representing the school in the PUSD All-City District Choral Festival, which takes place on April 1.

Altadena resident and Loma Alta PTA head Sandi Holden is the assistant conductor for the two groups, and she believes they are some of the top musical talents in the district.

Particularly of note is the Loma Alta school soloist Sydney Katz, who will be the soloist for the group and will be accompanying the group on bongos during on African piece the chorus will be doing.

Whiz Kid's Name (or Group name)

Loma Alta: Nick Ballew, Aaron Campos, Matthew Carter, Jehad Chaney, Tre' Crawford, Bobby Dickerson, Brianna Gamble, Frank Guzman, Robby Holden, Sydney Katz, Kyla Keys, Elliot Moore, David Perry, Talya Thompson, Sumira Tuttleman, Myonta Wells, Leslie Zamora, Anabel Zazueta

Don Benito: Nareg Ajamian, Veronica Amaya, Zachary Amaya, Kukie Anton, Iliana Byrd, Andre Der Sarkissian, Nathan Cao , Angelo Cassiano, Nancy Daghlian, Elizabeth Gezalyan, Nick Owen, Mason Rainwater, Kaley Sanchez, Molly Schwartz, Merrisa Shnorhokian, Peaches Woods, Jessica Yoder

●      Whiz Kid's Age

All are either in 4th or 5th grade.

●      Whiz Kid's School

Loma Alta Elementary and Don Benito Elementary

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

A chance to perform in a choral festival that includes talented kids from various age ranges and schools across the district.

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness

The students had to undergo an audition process that ensured that the had reached a strong skill level for their age group.  From Holden: "They had to audition to get in the festival and then go through several weeks of rehearsals. They are selected because they sing on pitch and are able to successfully harmonize by following advanced rhythms and cues from the conductor, Mrs. Vena Luthey."

Katz in particular has shown a very high ability level for her age, Holden said.