PHOTOS: Blake Middle School Musicians Take Big Stage

The Wind Ensemble had the honor of performing at historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester this past Sunday, April 22, in recognition of the group earning a Gold Medal at the 2012 Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival last month.

Medfield’s Wind Ensemble was one of just five middle school bands from across the state to earn a Gold rating in the MICCA competition held last month. Medfield and other MICCA Gold medalists joined a long list of notable individuals and groups that have performed at Mechanics Hall during its 155-year history, including Enrico Caruso, Ella Fitzgerald, Yo Yo Ma, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Medfield middle school students performed several pieces, including "The Chimes of Liberty," by Edwin Franko Goldman; "Mini-Suite," by Morton Gould and "Regenesis," by John Higgins.

“I am extremely proud of how all of the students performed at both the MICCA Festival and at Mechanics Hall,” said Blake Middle School Band Director Ryan Dexter. “The Wind Ensemble is a by-audtion group, and is comprised of our most dedicated students. The students volunteer their time weekly for before- and after-school rehearsals throughout the school year and dedicate extra practice time to be a part of something very special. Bravo to all of our students, their families and our administrators on this terrific accomplishment."

The concert band also earned a MICCA Gold Medal and . Final performance locations for Gold medalists were determined by lottery.