After a week of workshops and practices at the Songbook Academy, the top 10 finalists have been determined. These high school students from all over the country will compete for the Great American Songbook Youth Ambassador Award, to be given Saturday night at The Palladium.

The recipient of the Award will get the opportunity to perform with two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award nominated entertainer and founder of the Songbook Foundation, Michael Feinstein. The Youth Ambassador will serve for one year and will have opportunities to perform throughout the year at a variety of events.

Finalists for the 2015 Songbook Academy Include:

Lucas DeBard, Lebanon, IN. Senior, Lebanon High School.

Cate Hayman, Mill Valley, CA. Junior, Tamalpais High School.

DeMar Jackson, Decatur, IL. Senior, Eisenhower High School.

Adam Kruschwitz, Rochester, NY. Senior, Brighton High School.

Drew Mabusth, Dubuque, IA. Freshman, Dubuque Stephen Hempstead.

Deirdre Pedersen, Westborough, MA. Sophomore, Westborough High School.

Joshua Reinier, San Francisco, CA. Sophomore, The Nueva Upper School.

Madelyn Steurer, Jeffersonville, IN. Junior, Assumption High School.

Katie Swaney, Greenwood, IN. Junior, Center Grove High School.

Hannah Vogelsang, Haslett, MI. Junior, Haslett High School.

Past Youth Ambassador performance opportunities have included: Multiple appearances with Michael Feinstein – including Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall; Great American Songbook Hall of Fame Gala – with Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Webb, for example; National Anthem at NFL game; and an appearance with Pasadena Pops

The Great American Songbook Foundation selected 40 students from across the country to participate in the 2015 Songbook Academy that began last weekend on the campus of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN. High school vocalists representing 16 states have been working with mentors that included Michael Feinstein, Tony nominee and Broadway star Laura Osnes and Grammy winner Sylvia McNair.

Tickets for Saturday’s Finals are available at www.TheCenterPresents.org.

Submitted release.