By: Nora Warner
Pictured (L to R): Hunter Sasala, Brayden Hoffmann. Kristian Nistad, Genevieve Neenan, Nora Warner
Wallenpaupack was well represented at the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association). The event features a professional development conference for music educators and the High School All-State Ensembles.
The Wallenpaupack Middle School Rock Band was selected to perform at the professional development conference. The group performed and received feedback from clinicians. High school members from last year, Isla Brennan, Molly Fehringer, and Sierra Pedone, performed with the group.
This year, we had five students qualify for All-State ensemble seats. Kristian Nistad, Genevieve Neenan, and Nora Warner were members of the All-State Choir. Brayden Hoffmann played trumpet in the All-State Wind Ensemble, and Hunter Sasala played trombone in the All-State Concert Band.
To earn these spots, students placed first in the top of our district, earning a spot at the regional level, and then placed in the top of their section at the regional level, earning a spot at the All-State Conference. All these students also participated in various district and regional festivals for choir, orchestra, and band throughout the school year. Brayden, Hunter, and Nora achieved the accomplishment of attending all festivals they were eligible for, District and Regional Band, Choir, and Orchestra, and an All-State Ensemble.
The All-State ensemble members were housed at the Camelback Resort and rehearsed with their guest conductors at local High Schools.
The All-State Choir rehearsed under the Direction of Dr. Brian J Winnie, director of choral activities at Western Illinois University. They rehearsed on Thursday and Friday at Bangor Area High School and performed their concert at the conference in Kalahari on Friday Night.
The All-State Wind Ensemble was hosted at Camelback and was directed by Dr. Kaitlin Bove of Diablo Valley College and Artistic Director of Dallas Winds. They performed their concert on Saturday Morning.
The All-State Concert Band was led by Dr. Jeffery Gershman of the College of Wooster and rehearsed at East Stroudsburg South High School. The group also performed at the conference on Saturday Morning.
Being a member of a PMEA All-State Ensemble is considered the highest level of competitive musical achievement in Pennsylvania, with only the top percentage of participants earning a spot. In addition to working with renowned conductors and performing challenging music, the All-State festival gives students the opportunity to meet with other talented musicians from throughout the state. Wallenpaupack’s All-State Ensemble members will be featured on the Spring Choral Concert (May 6 at 7) and the Spring Band Concert (May 19 at 7). Congratulations to all these students on their achievements, reflecting their talent, hard work, and dedication.
