Congratulations to the Grant County High School Symphonic Band for earning straight distinguished ratings at this past weekend’s KMEA District Concert Assessment!
On April 25, 2014, Northern Kentucky University hosted the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Northern Kentucky District Concert Assessment in their Greaves Auditorium. This annual event provides each participating band the opportunity to be critiqued and receive constructive feedback from master musicians. The adjudicators assess each ensemble on quality of tone, rhythm, style, balance, intonation, and stage presence then award a score of either “distinguished”, “proficient”, “apprentice” or “novice”.
The GCHS Symphonic Band prepared four pieces of their choosing for the assessment, including “Beyond the Summit” by Brian Balmages, “Second Suite in F for Military Band” by Gustav Holst, “Irish Tune from County Derry” by Percy Grainger, and “Shepherd’s Hey” by Percy Grainger. All four of the prepared pieces are written at a Grade 4 difficulty level (with Grade 1 being easy literature and Grade 6 being a college/professional level of difficulty). Following GCHS’s prepared program, the band was also assessed upon their ability to sight read a new piece at Grade 3 difficulty.
Their performances earned them a “Distinguished” rating from every judge - thus maintaining a strong tradition of excellence and again representing Grant County Schools with distinction!
The GCHS Symphonic Band is comprised of 46 students under the direction of Dr. Timothy Dailey. We salute each individual on this very successful event culminating years of practice and dedication!