Blue Ridge hosts major band festival
The area's finest musicians came together last week at Blue Ridge High School.
The three-day Pennsylvania Music Educators Association event culminated Friday with a performance led by guest conductor, Terry Alvey, instrumental music director at Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda, Md.
Following the concert, Ms. Alvey said, "I could not be happier, given the rigor of the last couple of days⦠they made some beautiful music."
The band played nine selections, starting with the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "Salute to PMEA March."
PMEA Scholarships were awarded to Mollie Host, clarinet, Montrose Area High School; and Meg Markwith, oboe, Wyoming Valley West High School.
District 9 President Nino Bennici announced the scholarship recipients during the concert.
"I hope they had a great musical experience," he said. "I know they are going to leave here being better musicians."
Hazleton Band Director Neil Forte said the chance to travel to festivals does benefit the students.
"It gives them more experience playing with various groups and students from other schools, as well as working with conductors' various approaches to music."
Susquehanna Community Band Director Teresa Marino agreed. "(Students) get to perform at an entirely different level than in their own school - from the size of the band to different and more difficult music - they won't get that at home. And having a different director at the top of their field is an added benefit."
Blue Ridge High School Band Director Vincent LoRusso coordinated this year's District 9 Band Festival.
"It's time-consuming," he said, "but with a group of students as pleasant and talented as the ones this week, every late night and early morning was worth it."
Mr. LoRusso also said it was a collaborative effort with the school, community, local businesses and the other music directors.
Mr. LoRusso included special appreciation to Blue Ridge music staff: Jay Thornton, Amy Zakarauskas and Kristen Burkhart; as well as Montrose music teachers Nino and Suzanne Bennici.
"And I could not have had a better guest conductor," Mr. LoRusso said.
Prior to coming to Blue Ridge, Mr. LoRusso worked with Ms. Alvey in Maryland.
Contact the writer: swilson@independentweekender.com