Heights High Symphony Orchestra Receives Highest Possible Rating At OMEA Event

The Heights High Symphony Orchestra attended the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) State Orchestra Adjudicated Event at Bowling Green High School on March 2.

It was the first the symphony had attended the OMEA State Orchestra event since 2004.

For their performances, the symphony was awarded a “Superior” rating – the highest rating given in the OMEA adjudication system.

The 51-member ensemble first performed a 30-minute program of prepared music at the highest level of difficulty (Class A), followed by a round of sight-read music of a predetermined selection based upon repertoire class.

A total of 16 high school string and symphony orchestras performed in OMEA classes A, B, and C.  

The Heights High Symphony Orchestra was led by the baton of Instrumental Music Director Daniel Heim.

“Participation in the event offers students the opportunity to perform high level music for judges who can give honest, detailed, expert feedback,” said Heim.

“It’s one thing to play concerts as the ‘home team’ in your own auditorium, but it’s quite different to deliver for an audience not connected to you through family or community.”

Senior and principal oboist Shoshana Klein said, “It was a good experience to play for other people, especially receiving feedback from unbiased judges.”

Due to scheduling problems, the symphony did not perform at the Northeast Ohio site a week earlier.

“Our students not only performed well under pressure, but they got up very early to travel across the state,” said Heim. “The students worked very hard and I’m extremely proud of them.”