The Wiscasset Music Department recently had students participate in local honors events.

The Maine Music Educator’s Association (MMEA) District III High School Honors Festival took place on January 29 and 30 at Mt. Ararat Middle School’s Orion Theatre. Corey Campbell, soprano and Vanessa Dunn, alto, represented Wiscasset in the festival treble choir.

In addition, the MMEA District III Middle School Honors Festival took place on April 8 and 9 at Camden Hills Regional High School’s Strom Auditorium. Eliza Paradis, saxophone and Olivia Peaslee, soprano, represented Wiscasset in the honors band and chorus.

To be accepted into the festivals, students had to formally audition in the fall, then prepare the selected music before attending the festival. During the festival, students rehearsed throughout the days then performed a concert for the public on Saturday afternoon. Conducting the festivals were distinguished music educators who inspired our students to perform to the best of their abilities.

All of the festival ensembles received standing ovations — a true testament to the continued community support of music education in the public schools. Wiscasset Middle High School students and staff are proud of the talented musicians who represented the school and performed at these important festivals.

Additionally, the Sheepscot Valley Chorus, under the direction of Linda Blanchard, performed their spring concert on Sunday, April 10. Each year the Sheepscot Valley Chorus honors musically talented students from the local high schools. Wiscasset music teachers were proud to recommend Samuel Smith, percussionist, as the nominee from Wiscasset Middle High School. Sam accompanied the chorus on timpani for their opening piece, “O Clap Your Hands,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. He also performed a drum-kit improvisation during the second half of the concert. Sam has been formally studying music since fifth grade and has performed in numerous bands through Maine Academy of Modern Music. He will be
attending University of Southern Maine School of Music in the fall.

Come see these talented students perform at our upcoming events and support the arts in Wiscasset. The next event is Sunday, May 1 at 5 p.m., a music department fundraiser, in the WMHS gym, the Opus One Big Band Concert, featuring Opus One with selections showcasing student soloists from Wiscasset Middle High School. Come on out and enjoy an evening of jazz!

On Tuesday, May 10, the Wiscasset Elementary Spring Performances, “Movin’ to the Music Tonight!” will be held. 5:30 p.m.: 1st and 2nd grade perform; 6:30 p.m.: 3rd and 4th grade perform.

And on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the WMHS gym, the entire Wiscasset School Department Choral and Band ensembles will perform their spring concert.