Whiz Kid: Adams Freshman Sam Tartamella to Compete in State Music Competition

Whiz Kid: Sam Tartamella, 14

School: Rochester Adams High School

Accomplishment: Tartamella recently received a top score of "1" for her flute solo in the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association District Solo/Ensemble Festival this month; she will compete in the state competition in March.

Key to Awesomeness: Tartamella, a ninth-grade student, has been playing the flute for two years and was one of three freshmen to win a spot on the school’s wind ensemble group.

The key to her success, she said, is practicing a half hour to an hour each night and taking lessons outside of class. She loves classical music so much it is the only kind of music on her iPod, she said. In her free time, she likes to compose her own tunes.

Tartamella is also thinking about minoring in music when she goes to college. This is the first time she will compete at the state Solo/Ensemble Festival, which takes place at Stoney Creek High School March 26.

Do you know our next Whiz Kid?

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? How about a school group that worked on a project for charity? Did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honorees.

Each week, Oakland Township Patch and Rochester Patch are seeking suggestions from readers for individual children, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to editors Jen Anesi. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's name
• Whiz Kid's name and age
• Whiz Kid's school
• Whiz Kid's accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)