The Conference started Thursday afternoon with a brief review of seating and successful state auditions. The 145 student band was auditioned by like instruments and scored based on a state approved rubric. Students auditioned in front of a panel of judges on selected excerpts and were reviewed by educators from across Pennsylvania. The band was “seated” following the introduction of the host and some details of the day. Students were placed in numbered chairs for each section of the band. Indiana specifically had the following:
- Audrey Yang, Piccolo
- Lily Adams, Bass Clarinet
- Gabe Wilhelm, Bass Clarinet
- Aubrey Seale, French Horn
- Dylan Foulk, Trombone
- Sage Anthe, String Bass
Once the band was seated, students applauded successful auditions for seating in the ensembl as well as advancement to the state festival. Students are selected to PMEA ensembles based on their overall audition score. Indiana had six students with scores to qualify for the region festival: Audrey Yang, Lily Adams, Gabe Wilhelm, Aubrey Seale, Dylan Foulk, and Sage Anthe. This festival was held on March 19-21 at Northwestern HS.
Students then met our guest conductor, Dr. Benjamin Lorenzo from Kent State University. Students began rehearsals with Dr. Lorenzo by running most of the several pieces in the folder. These pieces included the following:
- Salute to PMEA by A.D. Davenport
- The Star Spangled Banner arranged by Jack Stamp
- Shattering Infinity by Benjamin Dean Taylor
- Caribana Afterparty by Omar Thomas
- Don Ricardo by Gabriel Musella
- Our Cast Aways by Julie Giroux
- Resound by Nicole Piunno
Congratulations to all!