GMS vocal, instrumental pupils earn gold ratings at contest

On Friday, March 14, Greencastle Middle School instrumental students competed in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) organizational competition at Cloverdale High School.

On Saturday, March 15, the GMS vocal students competed. The students spent many hours preparing three pieces and performed before a panel of three judges.

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 GMS results are as follows:

The GMS sixth-grade band played "Eagle Summit March," "Alpha Squadron" and "Apollo Fanfare," receiving a gold rating. The GMS seventh- and eighth-grade band played "Mystery Bay March," "Prelude on a German Hymnsong" and "Brandon Bay," receiving a gold rating.

The GMS sixth-grade choir sang "With a Banjo on My Knee," "The Clouds" and "The Duel," receiving a gold rating. The GMS seventh- and eighth-grade choir sang "Follow the Drinking Gourd," "Nonny Nonny No" and "Hi Ho the Rattlin' Bog," receiving a Gold rating.

The choirs were accompanied by Lori Miller.

"The students worked especially hard this semester despite the loss of rehearsal time due to weather, preparation for ISTEP testing this past week, and rescheduling of the contest dates," Kathryn Dory said. "Greencastle Middle School is proud of their accomplishments."

Dory would like to remind the community and parents that participation in ISSMA contests helps students understand the value of working toward common goals, striving for excellence as a team, problem solving, teamwork, and group work ethic. Students also understand how individual practice efforts and work ethic lead to success of the larger group. Development of all of these skills leads to success in school and in the workplace.

The bands and choirs are directed by Kathryn Dory with Robert Hedge assisting the sixth-grade band. Geoff Price also assisted in preparing the choirs.