Last week I blogged a bit about Escanaba's stellar art program, and today is the day for a "shout out" about our music department!
This past Saturday, Feb 6, over 700 orchestral musicians, grades 7-12 performed in the MSBOA District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Escanaba hosted this event that brought in hundreds of parents and other visitors to our high school and community. I walked through the high school on Saturday morning, and witnessed first hand "organized chaos"--students rushing from practice rooms to performance rooms, with instruments such as violins, flutes, and an occasional flurry of sheet music in hand, then greeted by Escanaba volunteers stationed outside the doors. Over one hundred (100) students from Escanaba performed. Next weekend the high school vocal department will will have their solo ensemble. Many thanks to not only our music staff members who volunteered their time, but also I'd like to extend thanks to other parent and staff helpers. The community of "service and giving" makes Escanaba Area Public Schools a very special place.
Also, sixteen (16) of our High School Chorale members were selected for membership in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival State Honors Choir. We were the only school in the UP to have 16 students selected, and I am told that we may be one of the only schools in the state to have 16 students in this elite group.
Our 8th grade bands will be traveling to Marquette on March 4, 2010 to perform for a panel of judges as part of the MSBOA District Band & Orchestra festival, the High School chorus and Choir will also be attending festival on March 5th.
Music programs in the Escanaba Area Public Schools--another top-notch opportunity for students in our school system!