It’s been an exciting spring for Churchville-Chili Central School District’s music program. In addition to being named a 2023 Best Community for Music by the NAMM Foundation for the eighth consecutive year, the district’s high school Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble brought home an impressive collection of awards from performances at NYSSMA’s recent Major Organization Festival in Rochester and the national Music in the Parks Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
“Our high school musicians normally travel for a performance at least once every two years,” said Wind Ensemble Director and music teacher Allison Chipman. “Since COVID, this is the first year we’ve been on the road, and the educationally focused Music in the Parks Festival at Hersheypark on April 28 was a more competitive event than we’ve done in the past. Our Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band members are seasoned performers, but our Orchestra is relatively new; this was the first time they’ve competed like this, so we were all excited about the opportunity to play on a national stage and get feedback from exceptional conductors.”
All three groups acquitted themselves admirably at the festival. Churchville-Chili High School’s Wind Ensemble was rated “Superior” and won first place in their division, The group then topped that distinction – they were named Overall Best Band in the entire competition. The Orchestra, led by music teacher Andrea Ryan in the temporary absence of Director Chelsea Wahl garnered second place in their division with an “Excellent” rating – the first time the orchestra has won a competitive award. Symphonic Band, directed by music teacher Stephanie Bezon shone as well, with an “Excellent” rating and third place finish in their division.
Wind Ensemble’s Principal Clarinetist Sophie Wanck-Kann said, “Winning these awards solidifies what music means to us as both individuals and an ensemble. We all put in time inside and outside of rehearsals to perform such challenging music, which is already a recognition of our dedication. Having judges recognize our hard work reminds us that our commitment to making music is evident to all who hear and experience it.”
Earlier in the week, the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band also performed at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization Festival in Rochester. Performances were judged by professional musicians who shared both written and verbal feedback with students and rated their performances.
“Our Wind Ensemble performed level 6 repertoire – the highest level of difficulty – and Symphonic Band played level 4 repertoire,” said Chipman. “Both groups received “Gold” ratings. We are so proud of them and their achievements!”
The Churchville-Chili school district was also one of only 830 school districts to be named a 2023 Best Community for Music by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). The program recognizes districts and schools around the country that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education for all students.
“The NAMM recognition is certainly something we are very proud of,” said CCCSD Director of Fine Arts Jeff Smith. “Many factors are evaluated by the NAMM Foundation in determining which districts receive this designation. Student enrollments, staffing, funding, and opportunities for student performance in and around the community to name just a few. However, none of the areas that are evaluated are more important than the outstanding work being done each and every day in music classrooms across the district by our talented and dedicated staff and students. The accolades and awards are wonderful, but what students learn uniquely in the music classroom about dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and being a part of something where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts is far more rewarding.”
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The Churchville-Chili High School Symphonic Band.
