Good music, roller coasters, and the beach! What’s not to love? The Upper Perkiomen Music Departments are traveling to Virginia this year in April. They will compete against other schools from around the country while also having the opportunity to perform in the historic town of Williamsburg.
The musicians’ upcoming competitions are becoming increasingly anticipated. In an interview, Choir and Orchestra director Dr. Mark Thomas explained, “We will be competing against other, similarly-sized schools from all over the country during our stay.” The Choir, Orchestra, and Band have put a great deal of time and effort into perfecting their art.
According to Dr. Thomas, “Last year, [the Choir] ran into a performing arts school… this festival will be rating-based, not based upon how we perform relative to other schools.” The Choir placed second relative to the performing arts school and, therefore, did not get gold medals for the competition.
Conversely, this year, every school can win a gold medal, as long as they get a minimum score of 93/100 points. The rating system will be based on several factors, such as dynamics, expression, and technique.
These upcoming four nights will yield exciting events, including several breakfasts and dinners, cruise rides, and a performance at Busch Gardens. Students will stay in one hotel for the extent of their trip, with access to paid breakfast as well as dinner each night.
In addition to performing at Busch Gardens, the Music Department will also have the opportunity to go on the rides and coasters the amusement park offers. Our musicians’ paid luxury cruise rides will provide a relaxation period between the performances and competitions.
Seven years ago, our Music Departments took the same trip to Virginia. Dr. Thomas described how “We made a giant ‘UP’ on the sand, and we took pictures from the hotel balconies.”
To make music and participate in this kind of trip next year, talk to Dr. Thomas or the band director, Mrs. Hildebrand, for more information.
