Musicians win Medals at Annual Festival

Organized chaos reigned in the cafeterias of Severn and Magothy River middle schools on Saturday as students tuned their instruments and practiced a final run-through at the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Instrumental and Vocal Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Student soloists or musicians performing in small groups performed a musical piece for judges who evaluated them for a rating and provided feedback on ways to improve.

Students played music written for their particular instrument, usually with piano accompaniment and often times prepared with a private teacher or their school teacher on an individual basis outside of school hours, rather than performing with their entire school group during class time.

“This is a real growth process for students,” said Deborah Turner, band and orchestra director for Central Middle School. “Students work on a piece to become better musicians, and they hear from someone other than their teacher on ways they can get even better.” 

Judges, who were chosen by the county schools system's music office, spent the entire morning and some of the afternoon listening and evaluating student performers from public and private middle and high schools.

Students who received a rating of superior are offered the opportunity to participate in the state solo and ensemble festivals in May.

Stacy Dayton, a woodwind player from Chesapeake High School, said she enjoyed participating in this event.

“I like hearing feedback from judges,” she said. “I find it very helpful and learn a lot.”

David Alade from Rockbridge Academy said he heard about the festival from his music mentor. “I like getting our score the best. Usually it is good news,” he said.

Broadneck High School sophomore Sophia Cologer waited patiently for her turn, listening to the violinist perform ahead of her.

“You get nervous before you play for sure,” she said, “but it is such a great feeling right after you finish and know you did well.”