By Gary Weckselblatt
Reid Clymer, one of the finest student singers and musicians at Quakertown Community High School, has been chosen for the prestigious NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble. Reid, a tenor, will be performing in the mixed choir.
He was among the select few chosen by NAfME after auditioning against approximately 50,000 other tenors from across the country. NAfME stands for National Association for Music Education.
“This is a huge honor,” Reid said. “I have worked very hard this, and truly appreciate this opportunity. This has helped me know that music is what I want to pursue after high school.”
Reid is only the seventh QCHS student to qualify for nationals. The others are Ron Jon Cubbage (twice), Caitlyn DiCara, Danielle Verguldi, Haydan Smith, Koby Kilgore and Tyler Faulkner.
“This is a very, very high honor for him and for our school district,” said Jonathan Lechner, the high school’s director of vocal music. “Reid is very focused, very detail-oriented and diligent. You give him something to do and he gets right on it. I am very happy for him.”
Mr. Lechner said Reid has “a naturally high voice. He sings up there with ease.”
Reid's vocal ability has received notice before. As a sophomore, he made states. Last year, along with fellow Panthers Mikayla Fuentes and Courtney Schreier, Reid qualified for the NAfME All-Eastern Chorus Festival.
Reid has immersed himself in music. He’s a section leader in the band and chorus and is part of the marching and jazz bands, Wind Symphony, Varsity Singers, Men’s Ensemble and has performed in school musicals.
“I’m glad that I got to be in such an amazing music program, with the amazing directors and an amazing ensemble,” he said. “It’s helped me become who I am today.”
He’s also a terrific student. This year, his schedule includes Advanced Placement statistics, government, and physics.
“I find the application of what I’ve learned is what makes school a lot of fun,” Reid said. “I love it here. I go to class - and we have amazing teachers - and we’re able to apply everything we learned.”
He plans to apply to Ithaca College, Moravian College and Penn State University and major in music education.
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].