Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra win trophies at Hershey’s Music in the Park
Fleetwood Middle School student musicians delivered a soaring thrill ride of melody on May 19 at Hershey’s “Music in the Park” festival.
Hundreds of kids from among 13 schools from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia entertained park guests and judges during a spirited national event contest for top honors.
The 41 talented Fleetwood student members of Jazz Band, a “by audition” group under the direction of Kris Nygard, and Chamber Orchestra, a “by audition” group under the direction of Sarah Shuey, won some awards that are, well... better than chocolate.
Fleetwood’s skilled Jazz Band musicians, swept away listeners to “Land of Make Believe” by Chuck Mangione, and blazed with talent on Duke Ellington’s “I’m Beginning to See the Light.” Jazz Band took home not only a 1st place trophy but also the coveted “Best Overall Middle School Jazz Band” award. What’s more, Fleetwood’s gifted trumpet soloist, Blake Biehl earned the overall Jazz Soloist Award from among tough competition.
The accomplished members of Chamber Orchestra performed “Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand” by Richard Meyer and “Stephen Foster Legacy” arranged by David Bobrowitz, to carry away a third place trophy for their execution of these complex pieces.
“The Fleetwood music program really allows us to develop our skills in a fun, collaborative environment,” says Andy Loeffler, saxophonist. “Hearing how we performed when pitted against all those other schools, I really felt proud of our teachers and my classmates.”
The Fleetwood School District has a sophisticated and comprehensive music program that includes instruction in all types of music, several other instrumental groups, as well as professional training for choral groups and several additional music elective choices. Various fundraisers throughout the year, and sometimes generous private donations of sheet music and gear, help support these passionate teachers and their enthusiastic protégés. Learn more on the district web site.
Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra members included Abbie Felker, Abby Kile, Aidan Kotsch, AJ Laucks, Alaina Smith, Andy Loeffler, Baxter Biehl, Blake Biehl, Casey Dewald, Connor Ammon, Connor Kulaga, Dayne Kishbaugh, Dylan Yellets, Emily Walbert, Emma Bigg, Erin Foley, Evan Polk, Hannah Saylor, Jacob Fortna, Jaiden Valick, Jared Burt, Jeff Davenport, Jia Gore, Joanna Conrad, Josiah Valentine, Julia Spanier, Justin Billger, Kenneth Au, Megan Brattley, Natalie Slusser, Olivia Downs, Owen Kotsch, Owen Roth, Rachel Grayek, Sam Mitten, Sam Ruemmler, Sarah Davenport, Taylor Pavlick, Thomas Shappell, Tiffany Cornman, and Zach Hobart.
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