Our school’s music department puts in hours of work each week to compete at competitions and show their skills, and just recently, the different music groups had a chance to perform at a music festival and advance to state. 

   On April 9 through April 11, the choirs, orchestra, and band performed and received scores for their pieces. The music festival was held at our school in the performing arts center, and schools from all over the area came to compete and present their pieces, both in our school district and outside our district. 

   The highest rating that a group or individual can receive is a one, sometimes called gold or exemplary. Many small ensembles and individuals walked away with one and advanced to State, which was held on May 3.

   The music festival was a success for the choirs, orchestra, and band. Several individual students received individual awards. 

   Sophomore Gavin Blaine performed in the Advanced Orchestra, sang in Chamber Choir, accompanied the Concert Choir on cello, and volunteered in the sight reading room. All of his performances were successful, and advanced to the next level.

   “All of our performances received a one, and it was really satisfying to know that all of our hard work paid off. It also relieved a lot of stress because after all the concerts, I could focus on the school work I missed,” Blaine said.

   Senior Jacob Holden sang a solo and performed in two ensembles. He was very ecstatic because his ensemble qualified for State, which happened several weeks later.

   “I was extremely excited because that meant we got to go to state. One of my ensembles was underprepared but was good enough for state,” Holden said.

   Like the choirs and orchestra, the band spent weeks preparing to show their best for the judges. For freshman band member Emily Cox, she received a one rating as well for her performance with the freshman band.

   “We performed with the whole freshman band with pieces that we prepared in class,” Cox said.

   The purpose of the music festival is to give the students a chance to perform and receive feedback, which will help them grow. Next time you hear the band, orchestra, or the choir, spend a moment listening ot the music they work so hard on.