The hills are alive with the sound of music
Well, maybe not the hills, but the sound of voices singing in harmony and instruments playing to the same beat filled the music room as students and director prepared for the District Music Contest held in McCook on April 23rd. Preparation for District Music started when school began after Christmas vacation in January. During the spring semester, students are also expected to prepare for RPAC band and choir as well as for the spring concert and District Music competition. Students worked with Mrs. Welch to select solos that fit their skill level and that students like. Soloists prepared their solos by practicing at home and in the classroom with Mrs. Welch before and after school and during their class time. In order to make the practice experience as productive as possible Mrs. Welch made piano recordings for students to practice with at home. Band and Choir students also played an active role in selecting the pieces they performed for Districts, making sure the repertoire fit the group and that everyone enjoyed playing/singing the piece. Choir performed at 1:18, Band at 1:40, Instrumental Soloists from 2:00 - 2:50, and then Vocal Soloists from 3:45 - 4:45.
Judges can award five ratings to soloists and students participating in either small or large ensembles. A Division 1 rating represents a superior performance, Division 2 marks an excellent performance and Division 3 represents a good performance. Judges could also present ratings of Division 4 (below average) or Division 5 (poor).
Judges consider musical tone, intonation, precision, technique, volume and interpretation when they evaluate each soloist or group. They also assess the energy and stage presence students displayed in front of them.
2014 District Music Results
Maywood Choir- III Good
Maywood Band- III Good
2015 District Music Results
Maywood Choir- I Superior
Maywood Band- I Superior
Instrumental Solo
Kaely Perkins- Flute- I Superior
Payton Kahler- Bass Clarinet- I Superior
BreAnna Kahler- Clarinet Solo- I Superior
Lydia Fritsche- Alto Sax- II Excellent
Devon Littell- Snare Drum- II Excellent
Von Fritsche- Violin- III Good
Vocal Solo
Tori VanDrimmelen- I Superior
Darbe Dodson- II Excellent
Brooke Moore- II Excellent
Keri Blackler- II Excellent
BreAnna Kahler- II Excellent
Payton Kahler- II Excellent
Lydia Fritsche- II Excellent