PCMS Musical Groups Excel at NY State Festival

On Friday, May 17, 2013, four of the Port Chester Middle School’s musical groups performed for adjudication at the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) annual spring evaluation festival, held at the Croton-On-Hudson schools. The Sixth Grade Chorus, directed by Mark Zizolfo, received a Gold Award on Level Two. This was the first time the Sixth Grade Chorus performed at this level. The 103 students sang “Al Shlo Sha D’Varim”, “Shake the Papaya Down”, and “Ja-Da”. The Sixth Grade Band, under the direction of Linda McDermott, earned a Gold Award on Level One. The 60-piece band performed “Valley Forge March”, “Two English Dances” and “Imperium”. McDermott’s groups have earned Gold Awards four of the last five years. The PCMS Jazz Band, directed by Ken Kraut and Kahlil Barnes, earned a Gold Award on Level Three. The Jazz Band rehearses once weekly before school, and has 26 members from grades 6-8. “Summertime”, “Sax to the Max” and “Watermelon Man” comprised their program. The PCMS Select Band, also directed by Ken Kraut and Kahlil Barnes, was evaluated on Level Three and received a Silver Award. The Select Band, which rehearses once weekly before school, consists of 95 students from grades 6-8 chosen by audition. Their program included “Lion of Lucerne”, “Prestissimo” and “Covington Square”. Music suitable for the NYSSMA Festival is categorized into six levels, with Level Six being the most difficult. Concert bands like the PCMS Sixth Grade Band and the Select Band must perform two selections from the NYSSMA manual plus a March from any source. Jazz bands also perform two manual selections and a Ballad from any source. All groups are evaluated and rated by two NYSSMA-trained adjudicators who record their comments during the performance.