BHS band and orchestra score big at MSBOA Festival

The final scores: Symphony Orchestra 1, Symphony Band 1, Concert Band 2.

It was a busy weekend for Berkley High School instrumental music. On Friday evening and Saturday, March 15 and 16, the BHS Concert Band, Symphony Band and Symphony Orchestra participated in the Michigan School Band & Orchestra (MSBOA) Festival at Clarkston High School.

In front of a panel of judges, each ensemble was required to play three pieces, one of which had to be from the MSBOA’s required list. This was followed by a sight reading, where musicians and their director have five minutes to review sheet music before they perform it for a judge and audience.

Ensembles are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rating possible. The overall score is computed using a formula that combines the ratings of each judge. Ensembles that earn an overall 1 rating (or "Superior") are qualified for State Band & Orchestra Festival in late April, according to the MSBOA website.

BHS Band Director Alan Posner, who is also MSBOA District 4 Vice President of Band and Orchestra said, “Overall, we had a great festival experience. Both bands played very well and our students did a wonderful job representing Berkley High School. It was also great to see many of our parents and community members who came out to support us.”

Members of the BHS Concert and Symphony Band will be taking their instruments to New York City next month for a trip that will include an afternoon music instruction clinic, a performance opportunity at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, tickets to the New York Philharmonic, and sightseeing along the way.