North Penn Music Program Flourishes

LANSDALE, PA – March is celebrated annually as "Music in Our Schools" month by the National Association of Music Educators and on the heels of NPSD’s latest "Best Communities for Music Education" recognition, recent events at the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Association PMEA Conference have all combined to give the North Penn community a great cause for celebration of the North Penn Music Program.

This year, the annual PMEA All-State Conference was held in Hershey, PA. NPSD had 15 students perform at the all-state level; one in Orchestra; one in Jazz Band; four in Wind Ensemble; four in Concert Band; and five in Chorus .

It is worth noting that in a typical year, NPSD has an average of eight students at the state level, according to a district press release, so a great deal of kudos goes to NPHS directors Mike Britcher, Matt Klenk and Erica Milbourne, as well as the student competitors.

NPSD also had four performing groups showcased at the PMEA Conference, and this in itself is a significant achievement, as this is the largest number of groups from NPSD ever invited to perform.

On Thursday, March 30, the Bridle Path/Montgomery Select Strings group performed, led by Ralph Jackson. The group was outstanding, and a highlight was a beautiful viola solo by Dillon Scott in an arrangement of The Swan. Audience members were truly moved by the performance, as these young students continue to perform at a level beyond their years.

Friday, April 1st was a full day, starting with the Pennfield Wind Ensemble, conducted by Chris Thompson. A unique aspect of the performance included guest Conductor Dr. Scott Watson, directing the students on his piece, “Magic Valley.” Forty-five minutes later, the group was moved to another location where they served as a demonstration group for three clinicians and a room packed with band directors.

The North Penn High School (NPHS) Navy Jazz Band, directed by Dave DiValentino, kicked off the afternoon with a wide variety of jazz charts and nailed their performance which onlookers called "simply stunning."

The day ended with a beautifully programmed repertoire and performance by the NPHS Women's Choir, directed by Matthew Klenk. The concert included guest conductor Dr. Mitos Andaya Hart, Associate Professor of Choral Music at Temple University, directing the ensemble on her arrangement of "My Favorite Things."

“As someone who had the opportunity to attend each concert, I must convey the pride and high level of musical achievement that was evident throughout all four performances,” said David Orehowsky. Pennfield Band and Jazz Band Director. “Simply stated, it was a fantastic two days at PMEA for the North Penn Music Department and School District, with all facets of our program represented; strings, band, chorus and jazz - elementary, middle school, and high school.”

As a music department, NPSD was also honored to have three special guests in Hershey. The Wind Ensemble was introduced by Pennfield Assistant Principal, Dr. William Carlin, and also in attendance were Dr. Diane Holben, Assistant Superintendent, and School Board member Edward Diasio. Dr. Holben introduced the Navy Band and the Women's Choir, and along with Mr. Diasio, remained to show support throughout the day.