Can you tickle the ivories, improvise on the alto sax, or carry a tune in perfect pitch? Well, many students at Sturgis surely can! This past November, many students from both Sturgis campuses auditioned for the Southeast District Music Festival. This is a wonderful experience for all musical high students from all across southeastern Massachusetts, and the festival itself is magnificent! I spoke with our school’s music director, Natalie Sheeler, about what the festival.
District level musical auditions are held throughout the country each year in the fall. They are opportunities for high school students to experience what it is like to compete in the real world of musical performance as a career. In addition, students are able to meet like-minded students throughout their local area. Musicians are asked to display a variety of skills that may include playing scales, performing a prepared piece, reading a musical piece at sight without preparation, and in some cases improvising. Performing groups range from chorus, orchestra, and band to percussion ensemble and jazz ensembles. If students are accepted into the regional ensembles, they may also be recommended to move on to state or national level competition. Sturgis has participated in the Southeast District Music Festival event for many years. Last year we were even lucky enough to send someone to All-national chorus in Nashville, Tennessee. This year we have two participants, David Girardin and Ian Morris. The two will perform on January 7th at 1pm at Sharon High School. In addition, senior Ian Morris has been recommended to try out in January for the All-State chorus.
Students interested in getting involved next year should visit the website and get in touch with Mrs. Sheeler to get more information. Details about the festival change yearly so it's important to keep up to date! It is really fun to participate and meet other great musicians from different school. So if you dream of sharing your musical talent and meeting other accomplished students, next year go audition for the Southeast District Music Festivals!