North Hills Junior High Concert Choir Scores at High Note Festival

The North Hills Junior High School Concert Choir earned a superior rating at the High Note Festival held Friday, June 3, 2011, at Carnegie Mellon University. 

Dr. Natalie Ozeas, music professor at CMU, and Dr. Robert Dell, retired music teacher from Peters Township School District, scored the choir 93 and 92, respectively, out of a possible 100 points. 

The concert choir received several positive comments from the judges including “confident sound,” “well-balanced,” and “nice selection of music.”  In particular, the judges praised the strength of the boys’ sound and balance with the ensemble – noting that only nine of the 48-member choir are boys. 

“We were very pleased with what the judges had to say.  They were positive and encouraging, and the suggestions they made for improving our performances were things we’ve already discussed with the choir,” North Hills Concert Choir Director Shaun Cloonan stated.  “Overall, the day was a huge success and a feather in the cap of our junior high choral program.”

The junior high Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble, open to all students in grades 7 through 9, and includes students in chorus, band, orchestra, and music appreciation classes.  The Concert Choir has minimal rehearsal time – meeting only 20 minutes during homeroom three days per week.  Concert Choir performs during each of the regular choral concerts as well as at the Celebration of Learning, Arts Alive, Opening Day, and for the School Board.

For more information about the High Note Festival, visit www.highnotefestivals.com.