Nearly 200 young men from middle and high schools across the School District of Manatee County came together Monday for Real Men Sing, a districtwide choral event focused on music, collaboration and mentorship.
The event featured separate performances by middle school and high school students before the singers joined together for a combined performance.
This year’s guest conductor was Miguel Oquendo, a music educator from Hillsborough County. He worked alongside School District of Manatee County music directors Tommy Jomisko of Manatee High School and Steve Armstrong of Braden River High School.
The three educators share a musical connection dating back more than two decades. Oquendo, Jomisko and Armstrong sang together in a chorus at the University of South Florida 26 years ago.
Students also attended a special performance by Suite Life Quartet before taking the stage themselves.
Real Men Sing brings male student vocalists from across the district together for a shared choral experience, allowing younger singers to perform alongside older students while learning from music educators and fellow performers.
