By Anne Garsea
This past Saturday, band students from across the district participated in the 2016 Chamber Music Festival held at J.J. Pearce HS. 102 students from Richardson HS brought home a first division rating.
The Chamber Music Festival is held every year at one of the four high schools in the district where band students ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade perform either a prepared solo with an accompaniment or a group of students prepare and perform a piece as an ensemble.
“Chamber Music Festival is important because it allows for students to showcase their talent and receive direct feedback from a professional musician,” head band director Jesus Marquez said.
Out of the 139 Richardson High School students who entered the festival, 102 received 1st division honor awards. Every participant from the Wind Symphony ensemble received 1st division honors. Chamber Music Festival always occurs on a Saturday, and the students receive their score sheets the following Monday, which includes the judges’ comments and suggestions, along with their score rating.
“I’ve participated in Chamber Music Festival every year since fifth grade, and I honestly think it’s really helped me further with my progression in music,” junior Leigh Mercer said.
