Several students from the Quaker Valley High School instrumental music program have been selected to participate in both competitive and invitational music festivals so far this season.
Earlier this school year, bassist Milo Hasak was selected through competitive audition to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 Honors Orchestra festival held at Fox Chapel Area High School November 21-22. Milo’s successful audition into Honors Orchestra also earned him a seat at the PMEA District 1 Orchestra Festival held January 15-16, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Also earning a seat at the District Orchestra were senior cellist Bob Carey and senior violist Charlie Crane. While at districts, Charlie successfully auditioned for the top of his section which earned him a place in the PMEA Western Region State Orchestra Festival, in DuBois February 25-26.
Upcoming in competitive music festivals, senior trumpet player Gordon Merriman will compete to earn a spot at regionals at the PMEA District 1 West Band festival to be held at Duquesne University January 28-29. Senior Bob Carey is a percussionist in addition to being a cellist and will be attending District Band to compete for a spot at regionals as well. Freshman cellist Louisa Webster will be representing QV at the PMEA Junior High District 1 Orchestra to be held at North Hills Middle School February 18-19.
Many students will also be representing QV at non-competitive music festivals. The Western Allegheny County Area (WACA) Honors Band festival will be held at Montour HS on January 24 and will include the following QVHS Band students: Stella Christensen (senior, flute, and piccolo), Reann McCracken, and Shawna Smith (juniors, clarinet), Shahzayb Ahmed (sophomore, contrabass clarinet), Gordon Merriman (senior, trumpet), Marie Nastasi (sophomore, trumpet), Patrick Munn (senior, baritone saxophone), Woody Blaine (senior, euphonium), Ethan Albright (senior, percussion) and Jake Milletary (junior, percussion).
The Strings North Area Honors Orchestra will be held on March 3 at Deer Lakes HS and will include freshman cellist Louisa Webster, and the following violinists: Mia Strelec (sophomore), Grace Kenny (freshman), Kathryn Main (sophomore), Keira Cowher (freshman), Sanai Horne (freshman), Serena Hutchins (freshman), Spencer Clifford (senior) and Reann McCracken (junior).
Congratulations to all of these students!