A Few High Notes
Sorry for the pun, however, despite many wellknown challenges that we are experiencing this school year, there are a lot of great things–high notes–happening, thanks to the hard work, resiliency and dedication of our students. We remain impressed at how well our students are adjusting and with the desire to learn that they show-up with at school every day. I need to compliment both our teachers, for finding and using resources to keep students engaged during online and in-person instruction, and families, for supporting us when adjustments to schedules are necessary.
This week, I want to play off that pun and share the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of our Blue Devil musicians. How can we forget that in the late fall, the Blue Devil Marching Band again qualified for the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) annual competition (for only the second time) and brought back a superior rating–the highest rating given, the top, the best of the best. We are still in awe of their efforts and congratulate Mr. Pennell and each of the musicians for the dedication, commitment and the practice it took to accept that top trophy.
This week, I have the opportunity to celebrate and honor even more musicians for their success–this time at the OMEA solo and ensemble contest. Under the guidance of our new choir/drama teacher and Blue Devil Drama Club advisor Teresa Doran, Springfield High School students again made us very proud. Each of the students listed below spent the past six weeks preparing to perform either a solo or with peers in an ensemble for judging. All performances were rated between 1-5 (1 being the highest) with music divided into Class A, B and C (A being the most challenging). Congratulations to the following students for:
Superior Rating (I)
Class A baritone solo, Joseph Heldmann; Class A mezzo soprano solo, Madelyn Shepherd; Class B soprano solo, Lila Christian; Class C soprano solo, Kailynn Boaston; Class C soprano solo, Kendra Louy; Class C soprano, alto, tenor, bass/mixed ensemble, Madelyn Shepherd, Kendra Louy, Isaac Evans and Joseph Heldmann, and Class C soprano, soprano, alto/women’s ensemble, Lila Christian, Madelyn Shepherd and Kendra Louy.
Excellent Rating (II)
Class C soprano solo, Haley Freshour; Class C tenor solo, Isaac Evans, and Class C soprano, alto, tenor, bass/mixed ensemble, Lila Christian, Faith Garrett, Reese Miller and Brogan Smith.
