Yorktown High School Concert Band Participates in Music in the Parks Festival

Members of the Concert Band participated in the Music in the Parks Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania, over the weekend, where they earned the highest possible rating of "superior."

As part of the festival, the band, which is made up of 82 student musicians in grades 9 through 11, was judged by a panel of college music professors who evaluated the group’s ability to play with correct technique, tone, balance, intonation and musicality. In addition to a rating, the group also received written and audio-taped comments, where the judges offered constructive feedback and musical advice.

For the festival, the ensemble performed two very contrasting musical selections. Their first piece, “Among the Clouds,” by Brian Balmages, offered both lyrical musical passages where the students could demonstrate their ability to play with elegant phrasing, soft, full tone – and also fast rhythmic sections where technique andarticulation were displayed. The second selection, “Foundry,” by John Mackey, is an extremely aggressive and contemporary work meant to convey the sounds of a metal foundry.

Scored for twelve percussion parts, the students had fun making music with unusual items such as metal bowls, “rattling piles of metal” and a brake-drum struck with a hammer.

"It was a pleasure to spend the day with the students," teacher Emily Kluga said. "I always love watching the camaraderie that is developed as the students try their collective musical best and show their band pride and spirit; these are the kind of moments that really help unite and build a strong band program. We thank our supportive parents and administrators for making this all possible!”

Students in both the middle and high school bands will perform for the community and honor veterans at the Yorktown Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28.

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter