Congratulations to eighth-grade band and choir students, who earned honors for their musical talents at the May 13 “Trills & Thrills Music Festival” at Six Flags New England.

Trills & Thrills Music Festivals are non-competitive, one-day adjudicated student music festivals held in different parts of the nation. Adjudicators, who are former music teachers familiar with the abilities of school-aged musicians, provide each ensemble with a running evaluation of their performances with recorded comments. They also provide additional feedback which is used to determine the group’s numerical rating.

Choir=Excellent!

The Eighth-Grade Choir, under the direction of Pasqua Ventre,  performed “Venga Nel Nostro Coro” by Antonio Salieri; and “All-Star as an English Madrigal,” arranged by Nathan Howe. They received a rating of “Excellent,” with judges highlighting their rhythm accuracy and tone quality on such challenging music.

Band=Excellent!

The Eighth-Grade Band under the direction of Laura Hulle, performed “he Great Locomotive Chase,” by Robert W. Smith; and “Sun Cycles,” by Brian Balmages. Receiving high marks for stylistic playing and overall quality of sound not only has a group and commending the confident playing by soloists, the band also received a rating of “Excellent.”

Students spent the rest of the day at Six Flags New England celebrating their success, which was a result of their dedication and practice.

“We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and how they represented Minisink Valley not only on the stage, but while in the park,” said Mrs. Hulle. “Bravo to all!”