Orchestra, Band, and Chorus were involved in the music competition “Music in the Parks” at Six Flags America on May 17. Orchestra and Band won first and second place respectively. This was the first competition the school had performed in in six years, marking the Music Department’s comeback and growth over the past few years. Additionally, the orchestra’s win was celebrated as the highest score given to any school at a Music in the Parks competition in over 20 years.

On top of achieving these high-ranking positions, the music students also earned the Esprit de Corps award. According to the Festivals of Music website, this award “recognizes the participating organization that displays an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior.” Other traits that are widely known to be recognized by this award are personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation, all of which the organizers believed the school’s music students exhibited.

Music teacher Mr. David Rogoza commented on the performance of the students as well as the attainment of this award, saying, “I thought it was the best Music in the Parks performance we’ve had. Aside from the music, they conducted themselves very professionally at the park.”

This was the first time in several years that the school had participated in this competition, which was mainly due to finances. Navigating this field trip required funds for things like transportation and other additional fees. This year, the fees for charter buses came down to what Rogoza deemed “reasonable levels,” making the economic aspect of the competition more convenient.

Rogoza believes the credit for his students’ performance can be given to preparation. When asked what attributed to the performances, he said, “Lots of meaningful, purposeful preparation, as well as the students being on board with the goal of playing some challenging pieces to perfection.”

Music in the Parks is a nationwide music festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually across the United States. The competition hosts over 200,000 music students per year, from schools all over the country. This year, schools from states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and New Jersey gathered to perform at the festival.