Eastchester HS Concert Band Earns Silver Rating At Music Festival

EASTCHESTER, NY — The Eastchester High School Concert Band returned from the New York State School Music Association Majors Festival May 22 at Fox Lane High School with a Silver rating. Teacher Mark Dodge said this was the first time the concert band had gone to the Majors Festival. “I couldn't be more proud of the students' efforts,” he said.

One of the major events is the Ensemble Evaluation Festival, an opportunity for music teachers to bring an exceptional ensemble to perform for two specially trained adjudicators. The feedback students receive from the judges, who are current or retired band professionals, will help them grow musically. The ensemble is given taped and written comments on their performance, and awarded a rating such as Gold, Silver or Bronze. In addition, students often use this NYSSMA rating for acceptance into performing groups outside school.

The New York State School Music Association is a professional organization which represents more than 6,000 music teachers across New York State. It is affiliated with the National Association for Music Education. Each spring NYSSMA sponsors approximately 145 solo and small ensemble and major ensemble festivals across the state, which local school districts volunteer to host, according to a spokeswoman for the school district.

Photo credit: Eastchester Union Free School District.