The Bethel Park High School Music Department recently returned from their annual Spring Adjudication Trip where, for the first time ever, the department traveled as a combined band, chorus and orchestra in grades 9-12. The students were accompanied by an all-star cast of chaperones as well as school district staff including the following: Mrs. Stephanie Glover (orchestra director), Mr. Chad Thompson (band director), Mr. Todd Kuczawa (choir director), Mr. Zach Cable (freshmen band director), Mr. Keith Born (percussion director), Ms. Stacie Doman (Bethettes’ director), Mrs. Jen McAfoos (majorette director), Mr. Jeff Knell (associate band director) and Dr. Dave Muench (administrator).
While in Chicago, our high school music ensembles participated in the Festivals of Music Adjudications where they earned high praise from the expert judging panel.
The following is a recap of the Ratings, rankings, and special awards:
- Treble Choir, 2nd place: Excellent Rating
- Concert Choir, 1st place: Superior Rating
- Top 21 Chamber Choir, 1st place: Superior Rating
- Top 21 Jazz Choir, 1st place: Superior Rating, Best Overall Choir
- Freshman Orchestra: Excellent Rating
- String Orchestra: Excellent Rating
- Chamber Orchestra: Superior Rating, Best Overall Orchestra
- Percussion Ensemble: Excellent Rating
- Freshman Band: Excellent Rating
- Concert Band: Excellent Rating
- Symphonic Band: Superior Rating, Best Overall Concert Band
- Jazz Ensemble: Superior Rating, Best Overall Jazz Ensemble
- Majorettes: Superior Rating
- Bethettes: Superior Rating
Specialty awards:
- Tim Lautzenhiser Esprit de Corps Award
- Outstanding Jazz Instrumental Soloist - Felix Kammerer
- Outstanding Vocal Jazz Soloist - Clara McGough
The students had the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra who collaborated with world renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The program featured music by composers John Adams, Dimitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev and Marsalis.