Rocky Point High School’s 9th-12th Grade Chorus, under the direction of Ms. Jessica Spitz, the 9th-12th Grade Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Butcher, the 9th-10th Grade Band, under the direction of Mr. Vincent Ragona, and the 11th-12th Grade Band, under the direction of Ms. Amy Schecher, all participated in the High Notes Music Festival on May 24 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
The High Notes Music Festival is a motivational, one-day music festival for students and music directors, where the students perform and are adjudicated by current or former music educators familiar with the abilities of school-aged musicians. The adjudicators provided each ensemble with recorded and written comments, along with a numerical rating.
Rocky Point came away with “Swept Superior,” which means that each of the four performing ensembles received a rating of “Superior,” which is the highest possible rating awarded. The adjudicators made a point to acknowledge that this is a rare feat and not typically accomplished by participating school music groups. The adjudicators listened for the execution of the very skills and techniques the students learn and practice each day, including breath control, intonation, phrasing, dynamics, attacks, releases, diction, balance, tone, posture, attentiveness to the director and concert etiquette.
This festival provided Mr. Butcher, Mr. Ragona, Ms. Schecher and Ms. Spitz with beneficial professional development and offered the students constructive and valuable feedback on musical strengths, and considerations and recommendations for further developing and enhancing their skills and abilities. The festival culminated with a fun-filled day at Six Flags Great Adventure, where the students enjoyed the rides, entertainment and attractions!
A congratulatory message from Rocky Point music department chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Schecher read: “The students had a great day performing and celebrating a successful school year. The high school music teachers are very proud of the work the students did this year and they are most grateful to the students for sharing their time, talent and dedication. We are very proud of Ms. Spitz, Mr. Butcher, Mr. Ragona and all of the High School Band, Chorus and Orchestra students that performed at the High Notes Music Festival. Congratulation to all of you for achieving ‘Superior’ ratings! Thank you to the families of these very accomplished students for all of their support and encouragement. We are extremely appreciative that the Rocky Point School District administration and Board of Education supports and encourages these forms of experiences for the students and the music department.”
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Date Added: 6/6/2024