Caldwell Middle School Music Program Reigns Superior

From Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools:

CALDWELL, N.J. – Music ensembles from Grover Cleveland Middle School (GCMS) traveled to Jackson, N.J., and Allentown, Penn., on May 26 and June 10, 2016, to participate in the annual adjudicated music festivals, receiving ratings of “Superior” on all seven of their performances.

On Thursday, May 26, the sixth grade band, chorus, and orchestra each received Superior ratings at the Great Adventure Music Carousel Festival in Jackson. At the High Note Festival on Friday, June 10, in Allentown, the grade 7/8 chorus, seventh grade band, eighth grade band, and grade 7/8 orchestra also received Superior ratings. All groups performed for an audience of high school and middle school students from other area bands, orchestras and choruses performing that day. In addition, professional musicians judged the students’ performance and provided comments and suggestions to improve their playing. To earn the superior ratings, the three groups performed selections of their choice. Performances average 20 minutes in length and are critiqued by evaluators. Ratings of superior, excellent or good are assigned to each group.

“These students work hard and make us proud each year, traditionally receiving all ‘superior” ratings,” said supervisor of music Scott Chamberlain. “This year proved no different, and our nearly 200 music students did an incredible job. We couldn’t be prouder.”

To participate, each group performed with “on stage” time limited to 20 minutes, including set-up, introduction, and dismissal. Groups are then provided with motivational ratings of good, excellent or superior. Following their performances at the festival, the sixth graders enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon at Great Adventure, and seventh and eighth graders enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon at nearby Dorney Park.

High Note Festivals were created by Dr. Alyn J. Heim, Past-President of MENC All-Eastern Division, and a Past President of New Jersey Music Educators Association.

For more information on the High Note Festivals, click here. For more information on Grover Cleveland Middle School, visit our website here.

Photo courtesy of Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools.