The PMEA District 10 music festivals took place throughout January into February. The selected students had the opportunity to display their talent through rigorous practice and a performance.
The District Band festival highlighted the musical abilities of seniors Owen Carso, Sophie Allen, junior Grace Stevens and sophomore Claire Choi at Catasauqua High School from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25. The Jazz Band festival highlighted senior Matthew Sicina from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 at Muhlenberg High School.
The District Orchestra Festival also highlights students’ musical abilities. Students who made the cut were Choi, Allen and senior Eric Choi. The festival took place from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13 at Parkland High School.
The District 10 Choral festival took place Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at Twin Valley High School. The students highlighted at this festival were sophomore Madison Curchoe and junior Ashantia Dicette.
The concerts these students performed in were different from an average high school concert. To make Districts, the students had to practice and perfect an advanced piece and then perform it in a live audition among band students from many schools in northeast Pennsylvania to be selected. At the festival, they rehearsed a collection of music pieces as a group before their performance.
“The audition piece is a professional level song that takes countless hours of practice to perform,” band director Mr. Richard Bullock said. “Mrs. Craver and I also work with each student in the months leading up to the auditions to get the students as comfortable with the music and the audition process as we can.”
Performing at PMEA Festivals provides experience and professional insight to high school musicians.
“District Band gives our students the opportunity to perform difficult music with other top musicians all while working with guest conductors from around the United States,” Mr. Bullock said.
District Band is not where the auditioning ends for those who made the cut. Mr. Bullock encourages his students to also make it to Regional Band and potentially All-States.
“I’m so proud of all of our students who auditioned, as they dedicated so much of their time to make themselves better musicians,” he said. “Best wishes to Grace and Claire as they are moving on to Region Band in March.”
