For the first time in the school’s history, the Lake Nona High School Wind Ensemble earned a “Superior” rating at the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) State Concert Music Performance Assessment (MPA). The band performed for a panel of three adjudicators on April 25 at Flagler Palm Coast High School. The adjudication panel consisted of college band directors from all across the United States.
In order to qualify for the State MPA, bands must first earn an overall Superior rating at the District level MPA. This year, both of Lake Nona High School’s concert bands (Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band) earned a Superior rating at their District MPA, which was also a first for the LNHS Band program, but only the Wind Ensemble performed at State this year.
High school bands throughout Florida perform at their District MPA at the beginning of March where they are rated by a panel of three certified adjudicators. The FBA rating scale consists of five ratings – Superior (highest), Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor (lowest). Of the 645 high school bands that performed at District MPA’s this year, only 244 (38%) qualified for State by receiving an overall Superior rating. Of the 16 high school bands from Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) that performed at State this year, six received Superior, four received Excellent, and six received Good.
To prepare for State and District MPA, the Lake Nona High School Wind Ensemble rehearsed after school on Wednesdays as well as in class daily. They had several guest clinicians attend rehearsals to provide feedback and suggestions, including the Director of Bands at Stetson University. The students worked very hard and continually rose to the high standards being set for them.
The band performed three selections of music: “The White Rose March” by John Philip Sousa, “Rhosymedre” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and “Rhapsodic Celebration” by Robert Sheldon. Videos of the State MPA performance are posted on the Lake Nona High School Band Facebook Page for anyone who would like to listen.
The judges had many positive comments for the band, including:
“Excellent literature choices! Many displays of technical brilliance and excitement. I enjoyed your performance! Superior teaching!”
“Nice work. Good general execution of the music with regards to the spirit and drive. Good overall feel.”
“Very expressive and controlled performance. There is a poignancy about this work that you seemed to really capture. Good job!”
“Good spirit. The technical demands are tremendous. What was clear was the spirit in which you went after the music. The integrity and meaning was well-preserved and delivered. Very refreshing!”
As reported in a recent Nonahood News article, the Lake Nona High School Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City next year. If you are interested in contributing to the scholarship fund for this trip, please contact Ms. Leimer, Band Director, at monica.leimer@ocps.net.
