Last summer, the Baldwinsville community lost Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider, a United States Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 30, 2011. Cpl. Schneider was a Baker High School graduate who gave to his country and to all of us his ultimate sacrifice in our defense.
To honor his memory, Baker High School’s vocal jazz ensemble, Company B, will team up with QuintEssence, a local A Cappella group, for a 7 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 5, at the First Presbyterian Education Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kyle Schneider Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was founded by QuintEssence.
Comprised of five life-long singers, QuintEssence members have been singing together for about a year. The group enjoys performing layered, complex and, of course, fun musical arrangements.
“John – we call him Sam – Armstrong is the musical leader of QuintEssence,” said Jim Burns, who cofounded the group with Armstrong. “He arranges many pieces to custom fit the QuintEssence voices.”
Armstrong, a baritone, and Burns, a tenor, are joined by Kerryanna Kershner, an accomplished soprano, Susan Richard, the group’s “contralto profundo,” and Jackie Schneider Revette, a resonant alto. Revette is the great aunt of the late Cpl. Schneider.
“QuintEssence decided to honor his memory by offering a scholarship, in Kyle’s name, to a Baker High School senior who will be pursuing a college degree in vocal music,” Burns said. “Proceeds from all of QuintEssence performances have been set aside for this scholarship, which is guaranteed to be at least $500.”
Burns added that QuintEssence wishes to enhance the scholarship, while “showing off” the talent of Company B, the 27-student ensemble led by Baker teacher, Colin Keating.
While there is no set admission charge, donations will be accepted for the scholarship fund. The scholarship will be awarded to a Baldwinsville senior at Baker High School’s annual Moving Up Day ceremony held on May 25. First Presbyterian Church Education Center is located at 64 Oswego St., Baldwinsville.
