When the Philly POPS Orchestra took the stage at the Trenton War Memorial in early October, they were joined by a special guest conductor.
Andrew Ashton, a senior member of the instrumental music program at Ewing High School who serves as the Senior Drum Major, adroitly led the legendary orchestra in John Philip Sousa’s The Liberty Bell – March.
On Sept. 20, the Philly POPS Brass Ensemble came to Ewing High School and held an assembly for all chorus, orchestra and band members. At the end of the assembly, Ashton was nominated from EHS as a nominee to conduct one song with the Philly POPS at the War Memorial concert, which was a fundraiser for St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center.
Ashton worked with Philly POPS Conductor Michael Krajewski before the concert and was able to see the backstage workings for the event. He was also given a conducting baton signed by Krajewski as a souvenir and interviewed by media covering the event.
Ashton is a senior at EHS who is a member of the National Honor Society who has been in the EHS Marching Band for all four years, as well as the Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra for the Spring Musical.
Also an athlete, Ashton is gearing up for his fourth year as a standout diver with the Ewing swimming and diving team and hopes to compete in the state competition this year. He is also a proud member of EHS baseball team.
“Andrew is one of our most well-rounded and strongest students,” district humanities supervisor Jim Woidill said in a statement. “He is an excellent ambassador of Ewing High School and by all reports, did an outstanding job as guest conductor.”
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