Whiz Kid: Miller Place Star Singer Brandon Rios

Name: Brandon Rios, age 17

School: Senior at Miller Place High School

Accomplishments: A performer for many years, Brandon has excelled at singing and has been recognized for his talent.  He was the recipient of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble I Award in the 9th grade and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble II Honors Award as an 11th grader.  During his years at Miller Place High School, he has been in the Concert Chorus, Select Chorus, Vocal Jazz I and Vocal Jazz II Ensembles.  

He has competed in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) competitions as a vocalist.  His high marks earned him a spot on the SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators Association) Division III All-County Chorus as both a 9th and 10th grader.  As a 12th grader, he was selected for the SCMEA All-County Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Brandon has volunteered his time to sing with the Vocal Jazz group at the Veterans Day Memorial Service in Sound Beach, for patients and their families at Mather Hospital, for the students in the elementary and middle schools and at Sayville High School for Jazz Day.  

He sang with the Select Chorus at the Aliano Shopping Center Tree Lighting Ceremony and has performed in his high school's Pop/Jazz concerts and Variety Shows.  He was a student volunteer in 2013 when Miller Place High School hosted the NYSSMA festival, where approximately 3,000 students from Suffolk County performed.

Through the years, Brandon has performed in his high school's drama productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and most recently  in this month's production of Almost Maine. He was inducted into the International Thespian Society, which honors student achievement in theater.

Voted Outstanding Vocalist at the 2010 Music in the Parks Festival, Brandon also plays the guitar and piano.  He enjoys riding his bike and rode 25 miles in the 'Soldier Ride' to support the Wounded Warrior Project.  He has been employed at McDonald's since last year and plans to pursue a career in computer science.