Blair County Ballpark will be full of Tyrone pride come July 18 when The Curve hosts “Tyrone Community Night.”
Perhaps no one will be prouder than Lynn and Shelby Shaffer of Tyrone. They are the parents of Tyrone student Josh Shaffer, who was chosen to sing the National Anthem before the game.
Josh is no stranger to the musical arts.
He started performing in musicals and dramas in 1991 – at just over one year old.
His first role was as young Jesus in the Christmas production of “The Promise” at Pleasant Valley Assembly of God in Altoona.
Since then, he has been in more than 20 Easter and Christmas musicals, including The Choice, Home for the Holidays, One Voice, The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Post, and the most recent, God of the Empty Tomb.
Josh has also had major roles in the children’s musicals at PVAG, including Go, Go Jonah, Dr. New-heart, The Lamb’s Tale and The Drummer Boy.
In 2001, Josh teamed up with the Tyrone Community Players for Peter Pan, playing the role of John.
This was the beginning of his “flying” experiences.
In 2002, he performed in Through the Years, a drama by Noahlot Productions and in 2004 in Thy Kingdom Come, a Faces and Places Ministries production.
In May of 2000, Josh had the honor of singing the National Anthem at an Altoona Curve baseball game, as well as being selected to attend the fifth grade PSEA Music Festival in Portage.
Josh has performed in the elementary talent shows and was involved with Vocal Attractions and marching band during his middle school years.
In 2003 as an eighth grader, Josh had the honor of being the lead in the high school musical Joseph ad the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Currently, Josh is involved with Pops Extension, county chorus, county band, jazz and concert bands, leads the worship and speaks at the FCA Club (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at the school, as well as basketball, football and helping coach a minor league baseball team.
Josh has traveled throughout central Pennsylvania to sing solos and lead praise and worship services at various churches and church events.
He is also a member of the leadership team at Quest Haven Lodge, is involved with the Joshua House ministry, plays drums at the Community Worship Center and keyboard or drums at Pleasant Valley Assembly of God.
Right now, Josh is involved in a Fine Arts Competition held by the Assemblies of God.
In February, he competed in Altoona and advanced to the state level. In April’s state competition, he advanced to the national level.
He will be going to Austin, Texas August 1-8 to compete in the categories of male vocal solo and large vocal ensemble with a worship team.
This is the third year Josh has competed, but the first year to advance to the national level. If anyone would like to make a donation to help with the costs, contact him.
Josh is the son of Lynn and Shelby Shaffer of Tyrone, and he has a brother, Jared.
He is enrolled in the Academic Academy in tenth grade at the Tyrone Area High School. He plays piano, drums, bass guitar and trumpet.
