Bravo

WARWICK — To say that Warwick Valley High School’s music ensembles had a good year would be an understatement for 2013-14.

“In Warwick, our dedicated students spend countless hours practicing and rehearsing,” Keely Gould Blaikner, the high school Orchestra Director said in the district's press release celebrating its students' success. “Elementary and middle school music teachers do a wonderful job laying the foundation for the program. And through the strong support of district leadership, parents and the Warwick community, students are encouraged to participate in the music program for many years and are able to excel at high levels. Many of our students continue to perform individually and in ensembles beyond high school. Our success is truly a group effort, and one the community can be very proud of.”

National and state recognition
Following the Warwick Valley Central School District’s recognition by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) as one of 2014’s “Best Communities for Music Education” for the second consecutive year, the high school’s music ensembles have also earned NYSSMA’s highest ratings.

Last month, the high school’s Honors Wind Ensemble, Meistersingers, Women’s’ Choir and Chamber Strings participated in NYSSMA Majors at Walkill Senior High School with outstanding results:

Honors Wind Ensemble: Level 6 with a Gold with Distinction rating (second consecutive year).

Meistersingers: Level 6 with a Gold rating

Women's Choir: Level 5 with a Silver rating

Chamber Strings: Level 5 with a Gold rating

NYSSMA Majors is a special evaluation of school music ensembles that takes place once each year. It is the only time when an entire ensemble is evaluated as a whole (and not the individual player) according to state music standards.

The level refers to the level of difficulty of the music – Level 1 is the easiest music and Level 6 the most difficult.

At levels 5 and 6, the performing group has 45 minutes to perform their selected repertoire.

Two NYSSMA adjudicators listen to the performance of each ensemble and provide the overall evaluation.

More honors and awards
The WVHS Honors Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band traveled to Cedar Point, Ohio, in May to perform in the Music in the Parks competition held there annually. The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band each took home first place trophies.

“Cedar Point is a big trip for us,” said Director of Bands Chris Persad. “It involves a long bus ride and a stay at a hotel. I’m proud of this year’s Wind Ensemble members, who handled the trip with the responsibility of mature young adults and the professionalism of a top-notch musical ensemble.”