PMEA Region V Band - Congratulations!

Post date: Feb 27, 2012 4:18:34 PM

Region V Band

This past weekend, 100 of the finest student musicians from 15 counties came together to participate in the PMEA Region V Band Festival. Hosted by Chambersburg High School, the Festival was a two-day celebration of excellence in the arts as students worked with renowned conductor Dr. Jason Worzbyt (Professor - IUP) to prepare an hour-long concert of some of the greatest works ever composed for the wind band. Hempfield High School was represented at the festival by Senior Miriam Brighton (Bass Clarinet) and Juniors Megan Goldfarb (Flute), and Marian Bechtel (Trumpet). Special congratulations to Marian Bechtel earned a spot in the PMEA All-State Concert Band!

PMEA FESTIVAL STRUCTURE

- The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) sponsors Honor Band Festivals that are held throughout the state during the Winter and Spring months. These festivals are meant to provide students with an exceptional experience with a guest conductor (generally a renowned university/professional conductor). Participation in these ensembles is one of the highest achievements that a high school musician can achieve!

- PMEA has divided PA schools into 12 Districts based on geography and student population. Auditions begin in December for District Level Honor Bands. Our District (7) consists of every school in Franklin, Adams, York, Lancaster, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, and Lebanon County. There were over 1000 students at District 7 Band/Orchestra auditions this year. This year, Hempfield had 13 students make it into District 7 Band (the largest representation of any District 7 school).

- Students who make District Band are then eligible to audition for Region Band. Students in Region Band are then eligible to audition for All-State Band. PMEA Region V consists of 15 counties and extends geographically from the Maryland Border (Franklin, Adams, York) up through the Lehigh Valley (Berks, Lehigh, Northampton) and through the Poconos to the New York border (Carbon, Monroe, Pike). This year, Hempfield had 3 students make it into Region V Band.