Warwick Valley, NY, was proudly represented among the myriad musical ensembles from across the United States and Canada who performed and competed at the Music In The Parks festival on May 18, at Six Flags, Agawam, MA.
The Warwick Valley High School Honors Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble brought home first-place trophies and were also recognized with a superior rating, the highest level any ensemble can achieve. Junior Conor Borthwick received the outstanding jazz soloist award.
“I feel honored to receive this award because I know there were a lot of other very talented musicians who performed at the festival this year,” Conor Borthwick said. “I’m proud to have won with so many other great players alongside me.”
Participation in Music In The Parks competitions provides a year-end assessment by an outside panel and reinforces learned music skills. Throughout the festival’s season, experienced instrumental and vocal teachers evaluate hundreds of ensembles and offer performance-improvement suggestions to participants. In addition to the benefits of this unique perspective, the reinforcement of school-learned concepts by nationally recognized adjudicators can have a lasting impact on students.
“Participation in prestigious competitions through the end of the school year gives students performance opportunities and goals beyond the spring concert,” said WVHS music/band teacher Chris Persad. “These awards are both rewarding of our students’ hard work and validating of their skill level. They also reflect the strength and ambition of our school’s band program.”