Stow–Munroe Falls High School String Orchestra Earns Superior Ratings During the Music Educators National Conference District Six Solo and Ensemble Contest and Ohio Music Education Association State Orchestra Adjudicated Event
STOW, OHIO—February 22, 2009—A combined 53 student members of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School (SMFHS) String Orchestra claimed superior, excellent and good ratings during two highly revered music competitions this month. On February 13, students participated in the Music Educators National Conference District Six Solo and Ensemble Contest, as well as the Ohio Music Education Association State Orchestra Adjudicated Event on February 20.
Fifteen advanced members of the SMFHS String Orchestra competed in the Music Educators competition, which was held at Crestwood High School on Saturday, February 13, resulting in eight Superior, five Excellent and two Good ratings.
“Whether a solo or an ensemble, the extra time these students spend outside of class trying to perfect a piece of classical music for performance raises their level of playing and therefore the level of our school orchestra,” said Frances Hamilton, orchestra director and conductor.
Participating SMFHS String players include: Cory Grinder (violin), Sam Hedrick (cello), Hansol Hong (violin), Megan Jennings (violin), Abigail Klug (violin), Tyler Lattie (cello), Keith Martin (cello), Sarah Martin (violin), James Molek (cello), Chloe Moore (viola), Jeremy Quay (violin), Madison Reiheld (violin), Rachel Shumway (violin), Rachel Teleis (violin) and Allison Thompson (cello).
Students began practicing for the competition six months prior to the event, preparing the music they play for the judge’s critique and rating. Solos were executed with a piano accompaniment as well. Performances are open to the public.
The Contest is open to all students representing the school music group of which they are members. However, students are encouraged to take private lessons in addition to time spent during school hours, according to Hamilton.
Other schools participating included Aurora, Brunswick, Kent, Hudson, Medina, Twinsburg and
Western Reserve Academy.
Ohio Music Education Association State Orchestra Adjudicated Event
For the fifth year, SMFHS String Orchestra students received a Superior rating,
the highest possible rating in any class entered during the Ohio Music Education Association State Orchestra Adjudicated Event at Lakewood High School on Saturday, February 20. This year, SMFHS students earned a Class B Superior rating.
Fifty members of the SMFHS String Orchestra competed among thirty other high school orchestras in the state of Ohio. The Orchestra was required to choose three musical selections from a pre-determined list which was divided into three classes A (most difficult), B and C and perform the three selections for judges. Students were also required to sight read a piece of music never before seen in front of a separate judge.
“We are very proud of the outstanding accomplishments of our students in this high level of musical competition,” said Dr. Russell Jones, superintendent. “Numerous studies indicate that music study correlates to academic success in other disciplines. I congratulate Mrs. Hamilton and all of the orchestra students for a job well done!”
The Stow-Munroe Falls School District is rated Excellent with Distinction by the Ohio Department of Education, an honor held by 116 school districts out of 613 statewide. For more information, visit www.smfcsd.org.
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