(L to R): Brayden Hoffmann, Molly McGinnis, Genevieve Neenan, Bradley Miehle, Hunter Sasala, Sara Kovacs, and Nora Warner
By: Nora Warner
Photo: Mr. Warner
Last week, students from Wallenpaupack traveled to North Pocono High School for the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) District 9 orchestra festival. Seven students represented our school:
Attending this festival is a great accomplishment as there are limited spots available for wind players, with only the top players in our area receiving the opportunity to attend. To be selected, students submitted recorded pre-auditions to the PMEA district band, with top students also being offered a seat in the orchestra. Playing in an orchestra is a unique opportunity for our students because our school does not have a string instrumental program.
On Wednesday evening, students arrived at North Pocono, where they auditioned for ranking and selection for the regional orchestra in early March.
Brayden Hoffmann, Genevieve Neenan, Hunter Sasala, and Nora Warner will be advancing to the Region Orchestra.
Additionally, Brayden and Hunter excelled by placing first in their section and serving as principal players. Brayden was featured as a soloist in the opening piece.
Thursday and Friday were dedicated to rehearsals under the direction of Dr. Peter Isaacson, Director of the Kutztown University Orchestra. Dr. Isaacson shared not only his impressive experience with the group but also a humble persona and an evident passion for music.
On Friday night at 6:30, the students performed their concert. They played a variety of pieces featuring both wind and string instrumentalists. The program was:
Millennium by Richard Myer
Norwegian Dances #2 and #3 by Edvard Grieg
Irish Suite Part 1 by Leroy Anderson
Ancient Aires and Dances (Balleto) by Ottorino Respighi/arr. Brubaker
Sentimental Sarabande (strings only) by Benjamin Britten
Finlandia by Jean Sibelius
Congratulations to all the participating students for their hard work and dedication towards growing as musicians.
