Two Maricopa High School bands earned a spot in state competition. Submitted photo

The Maricopa High School Chamber Orchestra earned a Superior rating – the hightest rating – at the ABODA Area Concert Festival. The MHS Symphonic Band earned an Excellent, the second-highest rating.

They performed at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale on March 2. Both groups excelled in their performances. Both groups will advance to the State Concert Festival held April 26-28 at Chandler Center for the Arts.

“This marks the first time ever two groups from MHS will perform at the State festival,” Instrumental Director and Fine Arts Chair Ivan Pour said. “The orchestra’s Superior is the highest rating ever for any MHS group in the Area festival. We are really proud of these students!”

The orchestra performed “Tales of the Kojiki” by Keiko Yamada, “Shaker Hymn” arranged by John O’Reilly, and “Avenger” by Bob Grice. The Symphonic Band performed “The Invincible Eagle” by John Philip Sousa arranged by Jay Bocook, “Aria Cantabile” by Frank Erickson, and “Abracadabra” by Frank Ticheli.

Following their performance each group participated in a wonderful educational clinic. The orchestra worked on bringing more out of the musical line and the band explored march style and worked on musical timing.

Both groups earned praise for being well-prepared and striving to realize the composer’s intent in the music. The band earned praise for good tone, articulation, dynamics and balance and the orchestra earned praise for balance, blend, overall sound and use of dynamics.

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