I’ve met more than a few kids who’ve left an indelible mark on the Cranford School System. Geddy Warner is a shining example of a former Cranford student whose exceptional qualities and contributions made him a standout while he was a student here. Now a sophomore at NYU, Geddy continues to blaze a trail in college and has continued his success as a singer. This June he will travel to the Czech Republic, where he will study and perform with a renowned operatic company to further his dream of becoming an opera singer!

I’ve known Geddy since he was a wee lad–we’ve been neighbors for 11 years. I’ve heard him sing many times, and his voice is exquisite. But one of the things I admire about Geddy is how talented he is in so many areas: he’s a gifted athlete, an excellent student, and an amazing musical talent as well! He also happens to be super nice, helpful, and respectful. Because he has all of these terrific traits, I always knew he was going places!

Geddy has been singing since he was about four years old and became truly passionate about it during his sophomore year at Cranford High School. He participated in numerous honor choirs from the state level all the way to the national level and was a proud member of the Concert Choir, Madrigal Choir, and Noteworthy Gentlemen at Cranford High. Geddy was also the lead singer of two local rock bands, both of which have performed at venues such as The Crossroads in Garwood, Tenth Street Live in Kenilworth, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and The Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, to name a few! His bands also performed for the annual charity race Relay for Life.

 

While at Cranford High, as a member of The Madrigal choir, Geddy sang carols for the community as well as for other events. Geddy also performed in the CHS spring shows of “Sweet Charity” as Vittorio Vidale, and “Grease” as Danny, and he knocked it out of the park in both roles!! Geddy said, “The performing arts department at Cranford High was extremely supportive. Anthony Rafaniello, especially, helped me to gain so much musical knowledge, which ensured that I was prepared for NYU.”

Regarding his upcoming trip, Geddy said, “I’m super excited for this opportunity to perform in Prague. I really want to thank everyone who has been instrumental in my singing career throughout my life–your support means so much to me.”

Read below for an except from Geddy’s GoFundMe page that details his upcoming trip to Prague. And don’t forget to visit his page to donate and help offset the cost of this one-in-a-lifetime trip: https://www.gofundme.com/9tzguk6k 

My name is Geddy Warner and I’m a rising junior in the Vocal Performance Program with a concentration in Opera at NYU. I have been singing for as long as I can remember.  It is my passion in life. I did not start out singing opera, however it quickly became something that I fell in love with. I hope that through my education and training I will become the best singer that I can be. Music has brought so much joy to me and I want to be able to share that with as many people as possible.

I auditioned for the prestigious Prague Summer Nights Program located in the Czech Republic, which is held from June 12th-July 10th.c Based on this audition, I was fortunate enough to be one of only 40 vocalists accepted into this program. I was given a role in Puccini’s comic opera, Gianni Schicchi,  as well as a spot in the chorus of Mozart’s Don Giovanni! This is an incredible once-in-a- lifetime opportunity not only for my education as a performer, but also for my career.

While in Prague, I will be training with world renowned professors such as the legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, who is touted as the greatest performer to ever play Don Giovanni. We will be performing in The Estates Theater where Mozart premiered Don Giovanni in 1787! I will also be performing in  fully staged scene programs, song recitals, and cabarets! In addition, I am able to work with coaches and singers from the Czech National Opera Theater. For any further information on the program you can visit http://www.praguesummernights.com/

The total cost of the program is $5,750 with the funds being used for tuition, as well as food, housing, and travel while in Prague. Any donations will greatly help to differ this expense.

I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and would love nothing more than to further my education with this experience. I want to use my time at the Prague Summer Nights Program to help me bring music to as many people as possible. To quote the Spanish cellist Pablo Casals, “Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”

Words cannot express how much your contribution would help and be appreciated. So let me know what I can sing for you, I take requests.