Koss and Kids Warmed Up the Mall in Wesley Chapel For Christmas

It was a chilly night at the Wiregrass Mall in Wesley Chapel, Florida on December 12th. Several students from the Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute bravely performed on stage in front of a crowd of about 250 spectators who eagerly cheered them on.

Greg Koss and Drummer Eddie Slivka

Many of the spectators were family members who vigorously clapped and whistled after each individual performance. The students showed their versatility when several played more than one instrument during the performance.

The kids ranging from 5 to 15 years old played the guitar, drums, violin, piano, and other instruments while some displayed their vocal skills. The string ensemble included the following students:

• Tony Rubelo
  
• Arianna Rubelo
• Evan Hernandez
• Tyler Button
• Matt Lewendowski
• Tori Russion
• Deandre Schatshel

The band Eyes of a Child Band was formed by the students and teachers and is made up of: Troy Button, Tyler Button, Chris Calco, Deandre Schatchel, Nora Cloutier, Robbie Morito, Sylvana Pesola, and Eddie Slivka.

Solo performances were performed by:

• Evan Thoby - piano
  
• Shirly Thoby - piano
• Karin Warren - Flute
• Marrissa Mohammed - flute
• Ascmit Rama - drums
• Aditi Rama - piano
• Gus Eberhard - piano
• Kathrine Larson - vocal
• Tylor Button - violin
• Tont Rubelo - guitar/vocal
• Alex Aponte - guitar
• Matt Lewendowski - violin
• Elisa Howell - vocal
• Jessica Ahmen - piano
• McKenna Yingling - piano
• McCabe Yingling - drums
• Mikayla Santiago - drums
• Nadya Lopez - piano
• Mikayla Phillips - vocal

Family members seemed proud as they watched their little ones perform on stage. It was quite remarkable. None of the them appeared to have stage fright. Each were eager to perform as their turn came. Maestro and CEO of the Koss Institute Greg Koss was the chief cheerleader. An inspiration to the kids, he coached and cheered as they performed. One was oblivious to any mistakes made because Koss and the spectators made them feel welcomed and accomplished.

The highlight of the evening was a check from the President of the Tampa Latin West Rotary Club, Luis Aponte to the Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute.

Even though the evening was chilly, the students warmed the hearts of the spectators and their comrades with great music.

Special thanks to Ann Berg and the Community Foundation of Tampa for her continued support and belief in the mission of the Institute. You too can support the Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute by donating your time, money or instruments to the Institute.  Contact the Institute by calling 813.949.6881.