Thanks to all of the 2006 Idol Contestants for participating in this fun event!
Idol - Ashley Tello
Idol Judges and Idol Host -
Matt Bourassa
Tom is a graduate of DHS Class of '98, and a former DSF Scholarship recipient. During his time at
Penn State, he majored in music theory and worked intensively with the School of Theatre, focusing on
musical directing, arranging, and orchestrating. He was also a proud member of the Penn State Glee
Club, and the Penn State Blue Band - performing for live audiences in excess of 110,000 people, plus
live national television broadcast, on a weekly basis. Tom also worked for several years as a
professional performer in various shows and parades throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, in
Orlando, Florida.
For the past 3 years, he has served as the Assistant Director for the Dracut High Marching Band. He
worked with the Palace Theatre, in Manchester, NH, for several professional Broadway theatrical
performances. This past year, he served as composer and arranger on the creative team for a new
Broadway musical about the life of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
Tom is currently splitting his time between his job in the airline industry, and his musical career,
freelancing as a
composer/arranger/orchestrator, and musical director. He often works with schools and theatre
companies throughout the East Coast
Laura graduated from DHS in '97 and was a DSF Scholarship recipient. She holds a Bachelor's
Degree in Voice from Emmanuel College in Boston. Favorite roles include Gussie in "Merrily We Roll
Along" (Emmanuel College) and Sophie DePalma in
Terrence McNally's "Master Class" (Boston Theatre Bridge).
Her most recent recordings include the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood's film "Mystic
River", and a recording of backing vocals for James Taylor, which will be featured on his solo national
tour, beginning in March of this year.
Miss Grande can be seen performing regularly at Symphony Hall with the Boston Symphony's
Tanglewood Festival Chorus.
Laura is currently working towards a degree in Nursing, and continues to sing professionally in the
Greater Boston area.
Ed is the local business owner of Triad technical graphics, ltd. (a Printed Circuit Board Design &
Electrical Engineering Design company) and Organic Greek Olive Oil (Importer of Fine Greek Organic
Olive Oil from the Island of Crete). He is also a business partner in M Squared Associates (a
Management & Marketing Consultant Company).
A Salvation Army brass instrument and vocals musician from the age of seven, Ed played Cornet, Fugal
Horn, and has been singing throughout New England and New York for over 25 year. Ed’s long musical
history includes the Lowell High School Band, Lowell High School A capella Choir, Lowell High Drama
Club, the Boys Barber Shop Quartet, MA Northeast Regional Chorus and MA All State Regional Chorus.
Ed is a current member and performer of the LHS Alumni Chorus and recently was a guest performer
with The Nottingham Brass Quintet (under the direction of Mr. Richard F. Hanks III).
Ed is also a current member and performer of the Standing Room Only (SRO) Players
(since 2000). Ed is also the owner of Brunswick Auto Recycling.
Mike Payette
Michael is a well-respected member of the Greater Boston musical community with almost 30 years of
experience as a bassist, vocalist and arranger. His talent is always in demand, either with his own band,
MOONGLOW, or as a “sideman” with other bands, hired to perform for weddings, nightclubs, private
events and corporate functions throughout New England.
In addition to his years of live performance experience, Michael has sung on hundreds of radio and
television ads in the Boston market. His voice has been prominently featured in presentations for the
Charles Hayden Planetarium in Boston's Museum of Science, Harvard University and many major New
England corporations.
Disc Jockey, Karaoke Host, Video Jockey, and Master of Ceremony
Mark is a member of the American Disc Jockey Association. He has over 20 years experience
providing customized professional entertainment for private functions and corporate events.
Thank You to Mark for helping the DSF Idol contestants with the music for their performances!
Trophies for this years Dracut Idol Competition!
