UMHS Students Chosen for All-State Band and Orchestra

At the March 27 regular meeting of the Upper Moreland School Board, several students were recognized for their pursuit of excellence.

Among the students recognized were those whose pursuit has taken them all the way to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) all-state band and orchestra.

“I’m certain each one will represent themselves with honor and a great deal of pride,” Upper Moreland Marching Band director said at the meeting.

Representing UMHS at the 2012 PMEA All-State Band:

• Matt Salazzar – 11th-grade, trumpet

• Curtis McPeak – 11th-grade, alto saxophone

Representing UMHS at the 2012 PMEA All-State Orchestra:

• Natalya Bondarchuk – 11th-grade

Barron, who had previously announced his retirement this year after teaching music for 35 years in the school district, said that this is the first year a UMHS student will perform in the PMEA All-State orchestra in recent memory.

In order to reach this performance level, Barron said that all students must first audition through individual districts and then regional auditions. Barron said that Upper Moreland is a part of District 11, which encompasses Bucks and Montgomery counties. Combined with surrounding districts, Upper Moreland is part of Region 6, which encompasses a majority of southeastern Pennsylvania.

According to Barron, this means that the three PMEA All-State students auditioned with over 500 other student-musicians. Auditions included scales, solos and sight-reading.

Barron added that these  and other students who have also advanced in PMEA auditions have earned the right to be proud to represent their school.

The 2012 PMEA All-State UMHS student-musicians will head to Lancaster next month for their respective performances.