Congratulations to the Blake Middle School Wind Ensemble on their achievement of earning a Gold Medal at the 2009 Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival!  More than 140 bands and orchestras from Massachusetts elementary, middle and high schools participated in the three-day event.  Performances took place at six different sites – Foxboro High School, Hopkinton High School, Lexington High School, Greenfield High School, Bellingham High School and King Philip Regional High School.  Each group was evaluated on the merit of their performance by three highly qualified adjudicators.  Ensembles earning a Gold Medal have been invited to perform at Symphony Hall in Boston on either April 18 or April 25.  MICCA, with the support of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is sponsoring its eleventh annual “Stars at Symphony” Gold Medal showcase.

The group’s program included, Three Renaissance Dances arranged by John Moss, A Childhood Hymn by David Holsinger and March of the Irish Guard by James Ployhar.  The judges commented on their mature level of playing for having only three or four years experience with their instruments.  Their remarks were very positive in regards to the ensemble’s sound quality, blend, dynamics and phrasing.  It was also noted that the students played with great confidence, had very good command of tempo, listened to each other, and followed their conductor.

I am extremely proud of how all of the students performed.  They conducted themselves in a professional manner while at our performance site, Bellingham High School.  Everyone represented themselves and the Medfield community very well.  The Wind Ensemble was started this year to offer our most dedicated students the opportunity to perform together and reach for a high standard of excellence.  Bravo to all of the students on making this goal a reality and to the parents and administrators for all of their support!