May 9, 2008
Battle of the bands nets many awards, accolades for Wilton High School
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Wilton High School music students brought home several top awards from the Boston 3 Festival, held April 25. The festival is adjudicated and run by North American Music Festivals. It offers high school music ensembles an opportunity to prepare and strive for excellence in performance, hear constructive comments aimed at bringing their program to the next level and receive positive recognition for their achievements.
The group of 265 students, 20 chaperones and seven administrators traveled by bus from Wilton to Boston on April 24. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, the students performed at John Hancock Hall, where they were evaluated and rated by three judges.
Eleven ensembles from Wilton High School presented adjudicated programs at the Festival. Top awards went to Jazz I, the Symphonic Orchestra and The Bottom Line (the men’s choral group).
Other awards:
• The Instrumental Sweepstakes Trophy (for the highest combined score from two ensembles) went to Jazz I and the Symphonic Orchestra.
• The Most Outstanding Choral Group Trophy went to The Bottom Line (the men’s choral group).
• The Most Outstanding Instrumental Group Trophy went to the Symphonic Orchestra.
• Outstanding soloist in an Instrumental Group went to Doug Bogan, piano, Jazz I.
• Outstanding soloist in a Choral Group went to Michael Ward, The Bottom Line.
• Outstanding soloist in a Concert Band went to Jay Webster, oboe.
• Outstanding Brass Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I.
• Outstanding Saxophone Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I.
• Outstanding Rhythm Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I.
Ratings for the ensembles were as follows, with Superior being the highest rating:
• Mixed Chorus — Excellent
• Madrigal Choir — Superior
• Women’s Chorus — Excellent
• The Bottom Line — Superior
• Combined Orchestra — Excellent
• Symphonic (Select) Orchestra — Superior
• Concert Band — Good
• Wind Ensemble — Excellent
• Jazz Ensemble III — Excellent
• Jazz Ensemble II — Excellent
• Jazz Ensemble I — Superior
The annual adjudication trip is organized by instructor Chip Gawle, together with the Band Boosters Association and is one of the year’s highlights for the music students.
All of the student music groups will perform at the annual WHS Pops concert on May 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Clune Center. Admission is free.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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