GMS music groups earn gold ratings at ISSMA competition

On Friday, March 15, the Greencastle Middle School instrumental students competed in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition at Cloverdale High School.

The following day, Saturday, March 16, the GMS vocal students competed.

"The students spent many hours preparing three pieces and performed before a three highly qualified judges," GMS Music Director Kathryn Dory said.

There are five different groups that a band or choir could enter in from Group V (easier music) to Group I (very difficult). Each ensemble is graded in several different categories including intonation, tone quality, note and rhythm accuracy, interpretation, dynamics and musicianship. Points are awarded and final ratings given from gold to participation.

The results are as follows:

The 40 members of the GMS sixth-grade band played "Eagle Summit March," "Planets in Motion" and "Galactic Episode," and received a gold rating.

The 63 musicians in the GMS seventh- and eighth-grade band played "Courage March," "Dedication, March and Celebration" and "Shackelford Banks," receiving a gold rating.

The 40 members of the GMS sixth-grade choir sang "With a Banjo on My Knee," "Guitar Man" and "Glorificamus Te," receiving a gold rating.

The 88 students in the GMS seventh- and eighth-grade choir sang "Brighten my Soul with Sunshine," "I Am Being Woven" and "Two in the Middle," and earned a gold rating.

"Our school is very proud of the success of these students," Mrs. Dory said. "We also appreciate the support of all of the parents that supervise practice time at home and who attended the competition."

The GMS choirs were accompanied by Lori Miller. The bands and choirs are directed by Kathryn Dory.

Volunteer assistance is also provided by students and faculty of DePauw University through a unique partnership program with the School of Music.