Music in Our Schools Month® has wrapped up! Audiences have enjoyed a myriad of events from the talented musicians at Akron Schools including recitals, the Music & Munchies orchestra concert, the musical stage production of The Music Man, and most recently, the annual Cabaret Concerts.  In addition to all of the music events held at Akron Schools, many of the top musicians have traveled to host schools or venues in Erie County to participate in the county-wide honors ensembles.
     Back in January, students auditioned on their instrument and/or voice at the solo competitions for the Erie County Music Educators Association’s elementary (grades 4-6), junior high (grades 7-9) and senior high (grades 10-12) levels. For the auditions, students are required to play or sing a solo they have prepared in front of a music adjudicator.  The judge then gives a score; those that score the highest on that instrument (or voice) are selected to play in the All-County Band, Orchestra, or Chorus.
     From across the county, students who are selected for an All-County ensemble, spend a weekend in March meeting other directors and musicians while rehearsing with the ensemble. The festival culminates with a concert performance. The Elementary ensembles perform at Kleinhans Music Hall, the Junior High Festival took place at Grand Island High School, and the Senior High Festival takes place at the University of Buffalo.
     “We are so proud of all of the Akron students that participated in the festivals and chose to make music at the highest level they are able to at this point in their musical journey!” said Akron’s Orchestra Director, Mrs. Courtney Sanville. “We congratulate all of our Akron students who were selected!”
   

Senior High All-County Band – Emma Leonard, Whitley Koopman

Junior High North All-County Ensembles – Samuel Reagan (Orchestra), Kendel Murray, Lyla Pechuman, Eliza Koopman, Kylie Karmazyn, Sarah Piscitelli (SSA Chorus), Hannah Witkowski (Band)

Elementary All-County Band – June-Marie Capan, Kate Ceratt, Allison Clark, Amelia Groff, Megan McCullor, Scarlett Ranney, Laura Waddell

Elementary All-County Orchestra – Charlotte Andolina, Levi Long
Elementary All-County Chorus – Peyton Cerasani, Thomas DeTine, Lucas Forrestel, Kloe Jordan, Gabby Mangione, Emelia Meyers, McKinley Sanville, Kennedy Sundown, Bristol Tarbox

Representing Akron High School at the New York State School Music Association's Senior High Area All-State Festival held at SUNY Fredonia on November 22nd & 23rd were juniors Landon Polkowski playing cello, Emma Leonard playing clarinet, and Whitley Koopman on percussion. All three musicians played with the Symphony Orchestra. "What an incredible accomplishment for these three musicians to be selected for their second consecutive Senior High Festival," commented ACS music director, Mrs. Courtney Sanville. "They make us proud!"

Akron Schools once again hosted the New York State School Music Association's Junior High Area All-State Music Festival on November 1st and 2nd.  Over 500 musicians in grades 7-9 were selected for this festival, representing 50 schools from WNY.  Akron students who auditioned and were selected to perform in the elite music ensembles are (l-r): Kelsey McIntyre, violinist in Symphony Orchestra; Sam Reagan, bassist in Symphony Orchestra; and Hannah Witkowski, clarinetist in Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations! Go Tigers!