5-04-2024 4:50am

Three Music Students Hit a High Note

Lesley Misko Editor

[Editor's Note-- The article below contains information from the Boyertown Area School District's Facebook post.]

Recently, in a display of talent and dedication, three seniors from Boyertown Area Senior High left their mark at the prestigious Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensembles.

The three students -- Rosalie Camper (Alto 1) was selected for the All-State Chorus, Daniel Freed (Percussion) was selected for the All-State Orchestra, and Ryan Schatz (Percussion) was selected for the All-State Wind Ensemble-- showcased their musical talents along with other musical student standouts from schools around the state. Later, Freed scored the first chair percussionist at All-State Orchestra!!

The students' success in attaining the highest level a high school musician can attain, validates their personal skills and diligence, as well as the continued support for a strong music program in the school district.

Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic region. Individually, students perform for a panel of judges. Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions. The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.

“Our congratulations go out to the student musicians that were selected to be part of the 2024 PMEA All-State Festival,” commented PMEA President and music educator in the Octorara Area School District, Scott Cullen. “There is nothing quite like coming together for a unique performance experience that only the PMEA All-State Festival can provide. The students selected to participate in these ensembles represent all the amazing music programs from across the commonwealth and remind us of how strong music education is in Pennsylvania,” he added.

Boyertown music teachers Mr. Chris Cinquini, Mr. Brian Langdon, and Mr. Jeffrey Brunner are extremely proud of all three students. "We share all three of them in each ensemble, and they represent the very best of the music department. They worked hard and spent countless hours preparing for these auditions. The experience of performing with an all-state ensemble will stay with them forever," the teachers all agreed.

The student musicians who qualified also performed at the annual PMEA All-State Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention directed the groups over three days of rehearsals and performances.