On Saturday, November 15th, chorus and band students from Danvers High School took a trip to North Andover High School to audition for the Senior Districts of MMEA-NE (Massachusetts Music Educators Association – NorthEastern), and seven students ended up making it. MMEA is a federated state association of NAfME; the National Association for Music Education across the United States.
Seniors Kaelin Hampe, John Murphy, Piper Brett, Ella Guitard and Alejandro Bourdier made it into Senior Districts for chorus. Junior Chase Richmond made it in for jazz band, and sophomore Kaiya Waters made it in for concert band.
For the students who qualified for Districts, there was also a chance that they’d be recommended to audition for MMEA All-States; an even more prestigious honor to perform among top high school musicians. The students recommended for All-States were Kaelin Hampe, John Murphy, Ella Guitard, Alejandro Bourdier and Chase Richmond.
For their auditions, chorus students prepared a singular piece, displayed their sightreading skills, and sang a scale. Band students were also prompted to prepare an advanced piece to showcase their performing skills. Students from schools all over Northeast Massachusetts participated.
In January, the selected students will rehearse with other selected high school musicians from across the state before performing advanced pieces as a chorus.
The round of auditions for MMEA All-States will be at the end of January. If these students get in, they will be able to perform with an ensemble consisting of both students who participated in Senior Districts and also made it through the second round of auditions.
The Flying Onion extends its congratulations to all that did well, and wishes the best of luck to all students with further auditions in January.
