Twelve Children to Sing at Next Week’s U.S. Open

August 24, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Anthony Pastecchi

The USTA has announced the names of 12 vocalists, all under the age of 12, who will perform patriotic-themed songs during the night sessions of the 2012 U.S. Open, and on Arthur Ashe Kids Day. The lineup for this year’s event features talent from throughout the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area, as well as Hisperia, Calif; Charlotte, N.C.; and Whitefish Bay, Wis.

Performing at her third consecutive U.S. Open will be Frenie Acoba. Alyssa Shoemaker and Madeline McNichols will each make their second consecutive appearance performing in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sydney Semple of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be kicking off the U.S. Open by singing the national anthem at the 17th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, presented by Hess. This year’s U.S. Open also will welcome nine first-time performers. Each of the children will perform in front of anticipated capacity crowds in Arthur Ashe Stadium, one of the premier stages in all of sports and entertainment.

The following is the list of US Open Casting Call winners, in alphabetical order:

►Frenie Acoba (10) of Kings Park, N.Y.

►Brennley Faith Brown (10) of Hisperia, Calif.

►Jake Faragalli 10) of Erial, N.J.

►Katie Garthe (11) of Miller Place, N.Y.

►Brandon Gicquel (10) of Huntington, N.Y.

►Joshua King (11) of Charlotte, N.C.

►Claire Kwon (12) of Glen Rock, N.J.

►Madeline McNichols (12) of Whitefish Bay, Wis.

►Isis Noel (12) of Staten Island, N.Y.

►Kirk Petrie (8) of Scarsdale, N.Y.

►Sydney Semple (11) of Brooklyn, N.Y.

►Alyssa Shoemaker (12) of Piscataway, N.J.

Earlier this summer, these performers were selected at the Sixth Annual U.S. Open Casting Call held at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater in New York City, where more than 150 hopefuls auditioned. Performances were conducted in front of a panel of judges from the music and entertainment industries.

The U.S. Open is the world’s highest-attended annual sporting event, making this a great opportunity for the chosen performers. These children will join the group of music industry leaders who have performed at the U.S. Open, ranging from Rob Thomas and Aretha Franklin to Diana Ross and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire. This year’s Opening Night Ceremony will feature a special musical performance by songwriter/singer/actress Jordin Sparks.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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