February 6, 2010..Adjudications in Bellingham

Courtney and three of her fellow band students worked very hard to prepare for and be selected to go to adjudications in Bellingham. Part of their band grade is a requirement to prepare either a solo or ensemble number to present to a music teacher at their school here locally. From that group of students who performed, there were a few chosen to go on to adjudications in Bellingham at a middle school where there were masters of music who teach at the college level doing the adjudicating. What that means is the group is given a ten minute time slot. During that time they perform and the adjudicator listens, makes notes, and then works with them for a few minutes. She or he gives lots of praise since this is often difficult and stressful for the students to do. They want to promote continuing the students' involvement in music. The adjudicator also gives helpful advice and useful technique changes that will improve the students' performance. We, as parents, got to go and watch. It was a great experience. (Courtney also has piano adjudications every spring.) These girls played a 3-part flute piece. They chose to dress in black and white. They were magnificent, poised, and polished. (And they had to prepare all by themselves, the band teacher gives them time, but no assistance with this project. This is a time to see what they have learned and what they can do on their own.)