Tammy Sutton, the orchestra director at Dayton Oaks Elementary School, is very proud of her students in the music program this year. Almost 170 students play violin, viola, cello or bass in the orchestra. From these performers, Sutton has formed two Dectet ensembles, each consisting of 10 students who auditioned in October for the groups.
This year the Dectet ensemble students participated in the Music in the Parks adjudication program in Hershey, Pa.
The Dectet students normally spend an additional 30 minutes each week practicing the music for their program, but this year they had many additional after-school rehearsals to prepare for the adjudication.
On Saturday, May 18, the Dectet students performed for the judges in Pennsylvania. They earned the highest rating of Superior and received a trophy. In addition, the students won the Esprit de Corp award, which is given to the group that displays enthusiasm, devotion and a strong regard for the honor of their ensemble. Dayton Oaks' Dectets received the highest scores of all the participating schools, most of which were middle and high schools. All their hard work and practice really paid off.
The students in this award-winning group are Emily Bai, Erin Southard, Allison Li, Gideon Elliott, Gauresh Bhandary, Riley Shin and Zachary Boothe, all playing first violin. Second violin players are Shriya Khosla, Sanjay Mavalli, Michelle Yeung, Bruce Tan and Jincheng Zhang. The viola players are Noah Levy, Brennan Wheeler, Julia Li, Laila Sheikh and Vishnu Kannan. Charlie Yarmus, Tyler Sowry, Jack Willets, Tomi Makun and William Zhang play cello, while Keren Baker, Luke Shin and Suriya Kalirai play bass. Congratulations to these hard working and talented young musicians.
The entire music department at Folly Quarter Middle School went to the Music in the Parks Festival in Hershey on a different day in May. Under the direction of Patrick Walls, the Symphony Strings earned a Superior rating, the highest rating possible, as well as First Place in its division. It was also named the Best Overall Orchestra at the Festival. The Chamber Symphony, which is co-directed by Walls and Andrew Spang, earned an Excellent rating with a first-place finish.
The Concert Chorus, under the direction of Stacey Sartor, earned a Superior rating and a first place trophy. The Advanced Chorus also received a Superior rating and first place. In addition, the Concert Chorus was named Best Overall Chorus at the Festival.
The Concert Band, under the direction of Spang, earned an Excellent rating and first place in its division. Right behind them, by one quarter point, was the Symphonic Band, also directed by Spang, which earned an Excellent rating and second place. Spang’s Wind Ensemble earned an Excellent rating and a first-place trophy in its division. It also was named the Best Overall Concert Band for the Festival.
Finally, the musicians of Folly Quarter received the coveted Esprit de Corps Award in recognition of the politeness, good behavior and positive mindset displayed in all of its performing venues. Only one school receives this award on any given day, and the students were thrilled to be recognized.
We are very lucky to have such talented young musicians in our area. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend school concerts, and support the great music programs in our schools.
You have one last chance to hear another outstanding school group this year.
The Glenelg High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Chris Winters, will appear at the Columbia Lakefest on Sunday, June 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. It will be performing at the Lake Stage as the closing act for the weekend. There is no charge for admission.