The Bellefontaine High School Music Department continues to be among the best in the state.
The BHS Symphonic Choir and BHS Symphonic Band competed in the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) State Contest at Lakota East on Friday.
Both groups performed very well.
The Choir earned a Superior rating for the tenth consecutive year.
The Band also earned a Superior rating.
After their stage performance, the BHS Band was evaluated on their ability to read and perform a piece of music with no previous instruction (called sight-reading).
In this, they also earned the highest possible rating.
This is the first time since 2013 that the band has earned this honor.
Both groups advanced to State by earning Superior ratings at the District 11 Adjudicated Event at Bellefontaine High School in March.
Bands and choirs are scored by the OMEA rating system.
They can receive the scores of I, II, III, IV, or V. A score of I is Superior, II is Excellent, III is Acceptable, IV is Poor, and V is Very Poor.
In order to qualify for the state-level contest, a band or choir must receive a Superior rating of 1.
The BHS Symphonic Choir is under the direction of Brice Henry.
Leslie Steiner was the accompanist on Friday.
Mr. Henry said, “The students worked really hard, and I’m very proud of them!”
The BHS Symphonic Band is led by Ken Hoffman.
Hoffman said, “To say that I’m proud of them is an understatement – these students are spectacularly talented and dedicated!”
Finally, the Bellefontaine High School Orchestra earned an Excellent rating at State in March.
Laura Mitchell is the BHS orchestra director.
