On Friday, March 4 and 5, the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble traveled to Jackson High School for the annual District Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MBSOA) Festival.

For this performance, both groups had to prepare a march, a required traditional piece, and a selection of the band’s choosing to play to three music judges. After their concerts, the ensembles participated in sight reading, where a brand new piece is introduced and the band must study for a few minutes and perform that piece to a separate judge.

The Concert Band received a second division (excellent) rating, and the Wind Ensemble earned a first division (superior) rating for their individual performances.

Each band that performed during those two days was given a rating on a scale of one to five, and those who received a first division score overall are eligible for State MSBOA Festival in April.

Though the Wind Ensemble qualified for state festival, Band Director Mr. Bryan Mangiavellano decided against taking the group this year due to scheduling conflicts during that month.

Instead, both bands will be spending the time between district festival and the Collage Concert in May to explore new types of music and prepare other pieces to perform for the community.

Concert Band’s performance

Wind Ensemble’s performance