Garrett Vanni

All State Chorus

My name is Garrett Vanni and I am a junior at Kittatinny Regional High School in Sussex County. The Kittatinny choirs I participate in are Chambers, Y-Kromotones, and Madrigals, all under the direction of Patrice Kane. I have had the privilege of participating in the ACDA, NJMEA and NJSMA honor choirs representing National, All Eastern, State, Region and County divisions. In 2009 my elementary music teacher told my mother that I should be ‘singing outside of school’. Mrs. Jessica Muccilli suggested that I audition for the Children’s Chorus of Sussex County under the direction of Deborah Mello. I have been singing for that organization for the past eleven years, having advanced to the Young Men’s Ensemble under Joseph Mello currently. During my membership with the Children’s Chorus of Sussex County I sang at Carnegie Hall on two separate occasions, Drew University, Ithaca College, St. Nicholas Cathedral on the Island of Syros, Greece. This past December, we opened for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. As a host, I have participated with the Drakensberg’s Boys’ Choir from South Africa and The Montserrat Boys’ Choir from Spain. I perform on stage for the Kittatinny Players as well as Faith Center for the Arts, performing in 8 musicals and plays. I am active in the Boy Scouts of America and am currently a Life Scout with over 700 community service hours. I am looking forward to reaching the rank of Eagle Scout soon. In summary, while music is a part of my make up, I have a strong passion for railroading. Who knows where my path will lead me, I don’t know, but I thank my mom, Melanie Vanni and God for getting me to where I am!

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The Governor’s Awards in Arts Education began in 1980 to promote awareness and appreciation of the arts, recognizing the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners. Each year, awards are presented to approximately 20 educators and 80 students. National and statewide organizations select the students for their exemplary work in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theatre and visual arts and the leaders for their exceptional commitment and contribution to arts education. The program also recognizes arts educators and arts education advocates, whose leadership has helped nurture the development of students in the arts across the state.

16 Mount Bethel Road Suite 202, Warren, NJ 07059
(908) 542-9396
info@artsednj.org

The Governor’s Awards event is a partnership of the Arts Ed NJ, the Department of Education, Art Pride New Jersey Foundation, the Department of State and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by: the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics; Art Educators of New Jersey; Art Administrators of New Jersey; Dance New Jersey; New Jersey Council of Teachers of English; New Jersey Speech and Debate League; New Jersey Music Educators Association; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Writer's Theatre of New Jersey; Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey; New Jersey Thespians and Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The cooperating organizations, award sponsors and individual members of the planning council dedicate their time to make sure that excellence in the arts is rewarded, and work tirelessly throughout the year to plan this special event. The Governor's Awards in Arts Education ceremony are a major collaborative effort of the arts, education and state government.