Merrick students perform at Queens College

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Two students from Merrick Avenue Middle School have found an outlet for their ambitions in the musical arts at the Metropolitan Youth Organization. Samantha Horowitz, 12, and Jordan Novak, 13, will be performing upcoming concerts at reputable venues on Long Island, with their first show at CUNY Queens College on Dec. 11.

MYO started in 1993 when music educator, John C. McNeur, organized a 15-piece orchestra of young musicians from Long Island schools. Today it has expanded to include seven orchestras, a flute choir, and a choral division. Approximately 1,000 students from ages eight to 18 participate, according to the MYO website.

Novak and Horowitz contribute to a three-part choir, with Novak singing alto and Horowitz covering the middle section. They rehearse for two hours a week at Herrick's High School.

Novak said she grew up wanting to be a part of every vocal group she heard about at school and outside her community. “You could ask my mom,” said Novak. “I could sing before I could talk.” She belongs to an acapella group at MAMS. In addition to singing, Novak is part of the school’s theater program and a mentor at the Merrick Jewish Center Hebrew School.

Horowitz started acting at four years old and was introduced to musical theatre through her endeavors as a thespian. She belongs to a theater group at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Wantagh. Outside of her acting and singing pursuits, Horowitz takes individual saxophone and art lessons.

Both girls have vocal teachers who recommended trying out for MYO last June. They recalled the chemistry they immediately felt between fellow members of the program. “We’re always singing the songs on the car ride home,” Horowitz said.

The girls will be performing a sold-out show on Dec. 11 at LeFrak Concert hall at CUNY Queens College. Horowitz will be a featured soloist during the girls’ performance of the song, “Go Down Moses.” Upcoming shows will take place on March 19 at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center and May 7 at Lincoln Center.

They plan on continuing with MYO until they turn 18. Both girls will attend Calhoun High School after graduating MAMS and intend on joining one of the schools’ various choir groups.

For more information on MYO, it’s upcoming concerts and auditions, visit myo.org.