JMCP Singer Katherine Rostek Honored by Sewickley Herald
On May 11, the Sewickley Herald will honor Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (JMCP) singer Katherine M. Rostek as its Emerging Citizen during the newspaper’s 42nd annual Sewickley Herald Man, Woman & Citizen of the Year event, celebrating people and organizations whose commitment exemplifies community spirit. Katherine has been a member of the JMCP for the past two seasons, and was the recipient of the 2017 Barbara Cass Award, an award that recognizes the most outstanding member of the JMCP, selected each year by their peers for their knowledge, zeal, and commitment to the singing ensemble.
Besides being a leader in the alto section of the JMCP, Katherine also is a senior at Quaker Valley High School. She is a four year member of the Quaker Valley Vocal Ensemble, Musical, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Choreographer of the Quaker Valley Middle School Musical, Participant in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Student Chorale, and a participant in the Western Allegheny County Area High School Honors Band. She has been in the Quaker Valley High School Marching Band, the Pride of Quaker Valley, for four years and served as this year’s Drum Major. Outside of music, Katherine has been a member of the National Honor Society, Young Harmonists of Old Economy Village historical society, an environmental intern or QV Creeker, a member of the Youth Government Club, and a Peer Help Desk Intern serving as a Peer Tutor.
“Katie is exactly the kind of student you want to have in your choir,” says JMCP Manager Emily Stewart. “She’s hard-working, dedicated, yet always has a smile on her face, and nothing can dampen her fantastic sense of humor.” JMCP Music Director Dr. Caron Daley echoes that statement, adding that, “I think the…[Emerging Citizen] award speaks for itself!” When asked why Katherine should win the Barbara Cass Award, one of her peers wrote on the ballot: “She’s an amazing alto and friend who always comes in prepared and willing to work on weakness. She always makes me feel included and is all around a wonderful person.”
Katherine plans to go to Penn State University with a double major in political science and secondary education. When asked about her time in the JMCP, she replied, “Being in the Junior Mendelssohn has been formative for me as a person, friend, and musician. The musicianship that I have learned these past two years is extremely valuable, and it is something will certainly carry with me in every walk of life. I’ve made lifelong friendships, and excelled as a choral singer. I cannot thank the leadership in the choir enough for giving me the gifts of friendship and song. It is a melancholy feeling for me to move forward to college, but I know that the incredible experiences that I’ve had in Junior Mendelssohn will help me continue to excel in choral excellence in my future. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Read more about Katie and the event here.