Lansdale Middle School Students Receive 'Outstanding Musician' Awards

Lansdale, PA -- Student's at Lansdale's Pennfield Middle School were honored recently with "outstanding musician" awards for their accomplishments.

The awards were presented at the recent 9th Grade Awards Assembly, according to a news release. 

During their middle school careers, the recipients of this award have consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, effort and the highest level of musicianship, the school district said. 

Through their efforts they have served as role models in the various ensembles in which they have participated. Beginning in 2009 each recipient has received an individual engraved plaque provided through the generosity of the Montgomery County Concert Band, according to an news release. 

In 2011 the award added the honor of being named the “Paul Ferla Montgomery County Concert Band Memorial Award.” In 1995, Mr. Ferla, along with former North Penn High School Band Director and Administrator, Mr. Stephen Frederick, co-founded the MONTCO Concert Band. In the fall of 2009 Mr. Ferla passed away, initiating the first presentation of the Paul Ferla Memorial Award. The award also honors Mr. Frederick’s memory following his passing in 2013.

David Orehowsky, director of 8th and 9th grade band and jazz band, Mr. David DiValentino, director of 7th grade band and pit band, and Mr. Christopher Thompson, director of Wind Ensemble, said that they were proud of the efforts of all of the students in the band program. The 2016 recipients include: Jolade Adebekun (oboe and violin), Sasha Sidach (clarinet) Allison Yang (clarinet and piano), Charis Ma (mallet percussion and piano) and Jack Peters (alto saxophone). 

In addition to the curricular bands, the students have spanned a variety of ensembles including Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Pit Band, Honors Band and Small Ensembles.

The Montgomery County Concert Band has a significant connection to the North Penn Band Program and the community at large. The band rehearses at Pennfield on Tuesday evenings throughout the year and often shares the facility with the Pennfield Jazz Band as both groups rehearse at the same time, North Penn said.

In April, the Montgomery County Concert Band celebrated its 19th year of providing concerts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, according to the news release. 

North Penn noted that the ensemble is presently preparing for its 20th Anniversary Concert next season. 

Since its inception the band has grown to include over 65 active members. Players come from a variety of daily occupations and backgrounds including among others, the field of education, homemakers, the business world, computer industry, clergy, systems analysts, students and retirees, the district said.