CISD schools display musical acumen in competition
Each year, the Texas Renaissance Festival welcomes private, public and home-schooled students for its annual School Days, a two-day event that allows students to step back in time to experience the sights and sounds of New Market Village, an authentic recreation of a 16th century European village. Students interacted with costumed characters representing the courts, culture, art, science and literature of the Renaissance Period.
During the school days Nov. 7-8, musical students from across Conroe ISD campuses participated in the Texas Renaissance Early Music Festival. The musical competitions included choir, band and orchestra.
Connie Horton, a McCullough Junior High School choir teacher, said the festival was a great opportunity for the students to perform and see other performances. The students were able to listen and learn how other choirs sound as well as see different stage presences. It also provided social benefits by allowing the students to interact with each other outside of the classroom, she added.
“We feel that the festival is a great experience for our students. The performing ensembles present two to three prepared pieces and receive constructive feedback from an adjudicator. This helps the students become better musicians. The festival also gives the students the opportunity to hear groups from other schools perform,” Horton said. “In addition to the musical aspects of the festival, the students have the opportunity to learn about the renaissance period. Let’s not forget the social benefits of the festival. The students truly enjoy getting to be with their friends at the festival. So do the teachers.”
All junior high schools within the Conroe ISD participated, as well as those from Conroe High School, The Woodlands High School, Oak Ridge High School and College Park High School orchestra. Students practiced concert etiquette and supported each of the CISD performances. The outside location provided a unique learning experience for all.
“Performance in any area is good for them to do but an outside venue, for them to listen in open air and not in a room where sound bounces back, they have to listen intensely,” Horton said.
The competitions were separated by category and group level. Overall, the CISD participants did well. Stewart Elementary placed first in the Elementary Small Orchestra. Mitchell and Cox Intermediate schools placed first and second, respectively, in the Elementary Large Orchestra category.
Peet, York and Moorhead junior high schools dominated in the Junior High Treble Choir Agora Stage competition by placing first, second and third, respectively. On the Junior High Treble Choir Titania’s Bower Stage, Irons Junior High School took third place. This was the first year for the Highlander Guys of McCullough Junior High School to participate in the festival, and they took first place in the Boys Choir. York Junior High School won third place in the Junior High Large Orchestra category.
Conroe High School took top honors with first place in the High School Madrigal Choir competition and The Woodlands High School won second in the High School Large Mixed Choir category. The Woodlands High School also took second place in the High School Small Orchestra and College Park High School placed third in the High School Large Orchestra.