On Wednesday, March 8, the Oscoda Middle School Seventh and Eighth Grade Band traveled to Alcona High School to participate in MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) District IX Band Festival. Each participating band was evaluated in the areas of Tone, Intonation, Rhythm, Technique, and Interpretation. Participating bands could earn one of five ratings: Division 1 (Superior), Division 2 (Excellent), Division 3 (Good), Division 4 (Fair), and Division 5 (Poor).
Oscoda MS earned Division 1 rating from two of the three judges on the Concert portion of their performance, and a Division 2 rating from the third judge. The band performed “Geyser Point March” by Chris Ferguson, “Moon Song and Tribal Dance” by Carol Brittin Chambers, and “Red Sky at Morning” by Heather Hoefle.
The band then went on to the sight-reading room, in which they were evaluated in the same categories, but on music, they had never read or performed, having only one chance to perform a brand new piece of music. The OMS Seventh and Eighth Grade Band earned a Division 2 from the sight-reading judge.
The band has earned the opportunity to perform at MSBOA State Band Festival in May. Congratulations, Band!
Karen R. Lopez, MA of Music Education
Band and Choir Director
Oscoda Area Schools