The CHRHS Visual and Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce Alex Wilder as the September Student of the Month.

In addition to his many musical achievements throughout his high school career, Alex played an integral part this past summer in “A Day in the Life: A Beatles’ Experience.” As John Lennon, Alex entertained community members who flocked to the sold-out performances.

At CHRHS, Alex is starting his senior year off with many musical activities: He is director of the after-school a cappella ensemble: The Off Beats; has just been chosen to play the supporting lead role of Riff in West Side Story; and is a leading member of the CHRHS Chamber Singers, with plans to audition for District, All State, and National festivals this year.

Alex’s past achievements include acceptance to all District III and All State Choruses throughout high school, a founding member of The Off Beats, a regular performer in the annual CHRHS fall musical, including the role of Raoul in last year’s The Phantom of the Opera, and a member of the award-winning ensemble: Gleesando.

Outside of school, Alex is active as a composer (has composed music for student films and last year’s CHRHS one act: The Odyssey), studies with Malcolm Brooks, plays in ensembles to raise money for community events, and was recently named a finalist with Shayna Cohen in DoSomething.org’s nationwide Battle For The Bands contest for an original song and video defending music education.  Alex sings and plays a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums and organ.  His future plans include studying music theory, composition, and recording arts at a liberal arts college.

To younger students who are interested in the arts, Alex says: “Put yourself out there. Be open to new musical opportunities, even if they don’t seem like something that’s “your style”. Important musical ideas can come from all genres and styles, so only playing in a single style limits you to no end. Great rock and pop artists like Billy Joel and Elton John had classical influences, and Paul McCartney grew up listening to big band swing. You never know what a piece of music is going to show you, so don’t say no to Beethoven just because he didn’t have guitar solos. In music, connections are exceedingly important. The more you expand yourself, the more you’ll meet accomplished and talented people who can show you even more.”

Congratulations to Alex Wilder!