On Saturday, March 14, the Columbiana High School Band (Grades 8–12) participated in the Ohio Music Education Association District 5 Large Group Adjudication held at Howland High School.
Performing in Class C, the band presented three works: First We Dream by Erik Morales, Sparks by Brian Balmages, and The Great Rubber Chicken Galop by Randall Standridge.
Large Group Adjudication consists of two major components. The first is the stage performance, where ensembles are evaluated by three adjudicators using a standards-based rubric. The Columbiana High School Band received the following ratings:
Judge One – II (Excellent)
Judge Two – II (Excellent)
Judge Three – I (Superior)
The second component is sight-reading. In this portion, the band is given a piece of music they have never seen before and eight minutes to prepare without playing their instruments. The first four minutes are used for silent study, followed by four minutes during which the director may teach the piece. After the preparation time ends, the band performs the music for evaluation.
The Columbiana High School Band earned a rating of I (Superior) in sight-reading.
Based on the combined ratings from all components, the band received an overall rating of I (Superior), qualifying them for the State Adjudicated Event.
Based on available records and plaques displayed in the school showcase, this appears to be the first time the Columbiana band has qualified for the state adjudicated event since the late 1970s or early 1980s.
The State Adjudication will take place either in late April or during the first weekend in May. Congratulations to all of the students for their hard work and dedication in achieving this outstanding accomplishment.