The Blue Mountain Middle School 7th and 8th grade bands have been busy practicing, performing, and racking up high scores at music festivals this spring.
On May 5, the 8th grade band traveled to Agawam, MA to perform in the Music in the Parks festival. The band’s performance earned an Excellent rating and Second Place out of all the middle school bands competing. In addition to giving a winning performance, the students enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Six Flags theme park. BMMS music teacher Katherine Filatov accompanied the students to the festival.
On May 9, internationally renowned composer Michael Markowski visited with the 7th grade band as they worked on his composition, “The Cave You Fear.” Markowski provided the students with performance tips and provided insight into the meaning of, and the story behind, the piece.
On May 18, Filatov accompanied the 7th grade band Wallkill, NY to perform in the NYSSMA Majors Festival. Using the tips they had received from Markowski during his visit, the students performed three songs at an advanced level 3 and earned a coveted Silver rating.
