The Bellefontaine High School Music Department hosted the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 11 Adjudicated Event for band and choir at Bellefontaine High School March 11 and 12.
The district contest featured schools from multiple counties.
The BHS symphonic choir and symphonic band received “superior” ratings of 1.
The Bellefontaine Concert Band earned an “excellent” rating.
Bands and choirs are scored by the OMEA rating system. They can receive the scores of I, II, III, IV, or V. A score of I is Superior, II is Excellent, III is Acceptable, IV is Poor, and V is Very Poor.
In order to qualify for the state level contest, a band or choir must receive a Superior rating of 1.
The songs performed by the BHS Symphonic Choir included “Shenandoah” arranged by James Erb and Twa Tanbou arranged by Sydney Guillaume.
Songs performed by the BHS Symphonic Band included “The Walking Frog” by Karl King and “The Light Eternal” by James Swearingen.
The BHS Concert Band performed “St. Petersburg March” by Johnnie Vinson and “Canto” by Francis McBeth.
The symphonic choir will perform at the OMEA State Contest at Tipp City on April 29.
The symphonic band will play at State Contest at Wright State on April 29.
The BHS Symphonic Choir is under the direction of Brice Henry and both BHS bands are directed by Jeremy Karg.
Both teachers were thrilled with the results.
“Our students have been rehearsing for months,” the directors said. “Their hard work was rewarded with Superior ratings. We look forward to the state contest.”
Former choir director Stacy Calton helped with preparation last week.
The BHS Symphonic Choir also hosted a preview concert last Tuesday night.
Finally, the Bellefontaine High School Orchestra earned a Superior rating at State last month. Laura Mitchell is the BHS orchestra director.