Four Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival, to be held April 18-22 in Erie, Pa.

Senior Meghan Smith (clarinet) and sophomore Caroline Martin (violin) will perform with the All-State Orchestra Ensemble, under the direction of Scott Laird, North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics fine arts chair and music instructor.

Senior Isabela Montes (alto) will perform with the All-State Chorus, under the direction of Christopher Jackson, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem artistic director and conductor.

Senior Alex Schumann (French horn) will perform with the All-State Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Alfred L. Watkins, Cobb Wind Symphony co-founder, musical director and conductor.

The All-State Concert Band and Orchestra will offer a public concert at 11 a.m. and the All-State Chorus at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Warner Theatre (Erie, Pa.) Tickets may be purchased online at www.erieevents.com/events/event/04/19/2024/pennsylvania-music-educators-association-all-state-festival.  

 

For more information, visit www.pmea.net/allstate.

 

PMEA Junior High Band Festival

Several Mars Area School District students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Band Festival, to be held on Tuesday, March 26, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.

Mars Area Middle School eighth-graders Samantha Applegate (baritone saxophone), Charlotte Forcht (flute), Mia Kochanski (flute), Maddie Lee (oboe), Sage Mahan (trombone), Bailey Remler (flute), Beckett Szczesniak (euphonium); and seventh-grader Juliet Snyder will perform with the Seventh & Eighth Grade Band, under the direction of Robert Traugh,  Duquesne University Adjunct Professor of Music Technology and Program Director of Composition for Media.

Mars Area High School freshmen Alexis Abbey (alto saxophone), Gavin Best (trumpet), Sophia Gourash (clarinet), Chester Harsch (baritone sax) and Mei Lien Mansfield (oboe) will join the Ninth Grade Band, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Helmick, Slippery Rock University Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.
 

PMEA Region Orchestra Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School Orchestra were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Orchestra Festival, to be held March 21-23 at Butler Intermediate High School.

Students are seniors Meghan Smith (clarinet) and Alex Schumann (French horn); junior Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); and, sophomores Caroline Martin (violin) and Carter Snyder (trombone). Chris Chicconi, Towson University Director of Bands & Orchestras and Associate Professor of Music Education, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at Butler Intermediate High School. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.

PMEA Region Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Chorus Festival, to be held March 6-8 at Mars Area High School.

Students are seniors Isabela Montes and Alanna Shaw; junior Amelia Collins; and sophomore Elizabeth Kelly. Dr. Hannah Carr, Kutztown University director of university choir and vocal ensemble, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at Mars Area High School. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased online at https://pmeadistrict5.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200444679. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Region Band Festival

Four Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Band Festival, to be held Feb. 22-24 at Deer Lakes High School.

Students are seniors Cassie Cannon (oboe), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet); and junior Carson Mahan (trombone).Dr. Patricia Cornett, Temple University Director of Bands, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Deer Lakes High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Jazz Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Jazz Band Festival, to be held Feb. 16-17 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are juniors Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); and sophomore Carter Snyder (trombone). David Glover, Slippery Rock University music department chair and assistant professor of percussion; Mike Kamuf, trumpeter, composer, and Youngstown State University and Montgomery College (Md.) jazz faculty member; and Robert Traugh, composer and Duquesne University adjunct professor of composition, will serve as guest conductors.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Slippery Rock University’s Miller Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Orchestra Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School Orchestra were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra Festival, to be held Feb. 7-9 at Hickory High School (Hermitage, Pa.).

Students are seniors Jennifer Morrison (trumpet), Meghan Smith (clarinet) and Alex Schumann (French horn); junior Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); sophomores Caroline Martin (violin), Carter Snyder (trombone) and sophomore Kai Whirlow (violin). Dr. Jungho Kim, University of North Carolina Greensboro orchestra director and associate professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at Hickory High School. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.

PMEA District Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Chorus Festival, to be held Jan. 24-26 at Mercer Area Middle/High School.

Students are seniors Lauren Karg, Isabela Montes and Alanna Shaw; juniors Amelia Collins and Niina Takeuchi; and sophomores Riley Carrel and Elizabeth Kelly. Dr. Bryan Helsel, Youngstown State University lecturer of recording arts, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at Mercer Area Middle/High School. Tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.
 

PMEA Junior High Chorus Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School Chorus were selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Chorus Festival, to be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at Blackhawk High School.

Ninth-graders Annabell Dickinson, Zoe Lutzic, Ava Moravek, Alayna Renton, Elaina Rieger and Jenna Smith will join the Ninth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Mark Boyle, Seton Hill University associate music professor and director of choral & vocal activities, 

Eighth-graders Riley Long, Ciara Spaun and Bonnie Wilbert; and seventh-grader Christopher Pelczarski will perform with the Seventh & Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Erich Lascek, Gateway High School choral director.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, at Blackhawk High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Band Festival

Six Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival, to be held Jan. 11-13 at Hopewell High School.

Students are seniors Cassie Cannon (Oboe 2), Ella Drutarosky (Flute 2), Alex Schumann (French Horn 1) and Meghan Smith (Clarinet 1); junior Carson Mahan (Trombone 1); and sophomore Carter Snyder (Trombone 3). Travis J. Weller, Messiah University music education director and music department assistant chair, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Hopewell High School. (Note: The time of the concert has yet to be determined.) Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Honors Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Band Festival, to be held Dec. 7-9 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are senior Ella Drutarosky (flute), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet); juniors Carson Mahan (trombone) and Alvin Tsao (trumpet); sophomore Carter Snyder (trombone); and freshman Mei Lien Mansfield (oboe). Dr. Galen S. Karriker, The University of Akron director of bands and music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Miller Auditorium & Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Junior High Strings Festival

Numerous Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School students were selected by solo audition for 2023 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Strings Festival, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Mars Area High School.

Students are freshmen Nathan Deemer (viola), Alayna Renton (viola) and Lila Schrecengost (violin 1); eighth-graders Emily Chadwick (violin 2), Olivia Fisher (violin 1), Natalie Hagen (violin 1), Alyson Mazurek (violin 2), Bailey Remler (bass), Lexi Riner (viola) and Matthew Wilczynski (violin 1); and, seventh-graders Alston Hung (cello), Lindsay Hutchens (violin 2), Meredith Lindsay (violin 2) and Elizabeth Shaha (violin 2). Donna S. Fox, South Hills Junior Orchestra artistic director and co-founder, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Mars Area High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Honors Chorus 

Five Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Chorus Festival, to be held Oct. 26-28 at Westminster College.

Students are senior Wyatt Gamble (Tenor 2), senior Isabela Montes (Alto 1) and Alanna Shaw (Tenor 1); junior Amelia Collins (Soprano 1); and, sophomore Elizabeth Kelly (Soprano 1). Lorraine Milovac, Belle Voci Choral Ensemble artistic director, University of Pittsburgh Treble Choral Ensemble director, and Westminster Presbyterian Church (Upper St. Clair) assistant director of music, will serve as guest conductor. 

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Westminster College. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

 

2022-2023

2023 PMEA All-State Festival 

Two Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival, to be held April 19-22 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Poconos.

Seniors Andrew Nelson (bassoon) and Kole Yingling (string bass) will perform with the All-State Orchestra Ensemble , under the direction of Timothy Dixon, Messiah University director of orchestral studies and American Youth Philharmonic director and conductor. The ensemble will perform a public concert at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

Tickets for all concerts are $20 and may be purchased online  at www.ticketor.com/pmea/. For more information, visit www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/.   

PMEA Junior High Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Band Festival, to be held Tuesday, March 28, at Hopewell High School.

Freshmen Audrey Stephenson (percussion), Carter Snyder (trombone 1), Kaden Ostapchenko (alto sax 1) and Sydney Denk (euphonium) will join the Ninth Grade Band, conducted by Dr. Jason Worzbyt, Indiana University of Pennsylvania associate director of bands.

Eighth-graders Alexis Abbey (alto sax 2), Gavin Best (trumpet 2), Sophia Gourash (clarinet 2), Amanda Morrison (flute), Mei Lien Mansfield (oboe) and Grace Nam (flute); and, seventh-grader Alexis Riner (clarinet 2) will perform with the Seventh/Eighth Grade Band, conducted by Mark Godwin, Geneva College director of bands.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at Hopewell High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Region Band Festival

Three Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Band Festival, to be held March 23-25 at Butler Intermediate High School.

Students are seniors Adriana Najjar (flute) and Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute); and junior Meghan Smith (clarinet). Christopher M. Cicconi, Towson University director of bands and orchestras and wind ensemble and symphony orchestra conductor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Butler Intermediate High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.
 

PMEA Region Orchestra Festival

Six members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Orchestra Festival, to be held March 8-10 at State College Area High School.

Students are seniors Andrew Nelson (bassoon), Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute) and Kole Yingling (string bass); and junior Meghan Smith (clarinet). Douglas Droste, Baldwin Wallace University director of orchestral studies, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at State College Area High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Regional Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Regional Chorus Festival, to be held Feb. 23-24 at Pine-Richland High School.

Students are seniors Victoria Rojas (Alto 2) and Kole Yingling (Bass 1); and juniors Nicholas Ferrari (Bass 2 alternate), Miranda Gehm (Soprano 1 alternate) and Isabela Montes (Alto 1). Dr. Ryan Keeling, Westminster College director of choral activities, Voces Solis chamber choir artistic director, Virago women’s choir conductor, and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh associate conductor, will serve as guest conductor for the event.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at Pine-Richland High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Jazz Band Festival 

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Jazz Band Festival, to be held Feb. 17-18 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are senior Alex Vedernikov (trumpet); junior Jennifer Morrison (trumpet); sophomores Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); and freshman Carter Snyder (trombone).

Stephen Philip Harvey, adjunct music professor at Salisbury University and Youngstown State University; Joe Scheller, saxophonist and Kiski Area North Primary School music teacher; and, Lynn Speakman, The Calhoun School adjunct faculty member and musician, will serve as guest conductors.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Slippery Rock University. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival, to be held Feb. 9-11 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are seniors Ian Fuechslin (oboe), Adriana Najjar (flute), and Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute); and juniors Ella Drutarosky (flute), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet). Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Colorado State University director of bands and music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Slippery Rock University. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Orchestra Festival

Six members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra Festival, to be held Jan. 26-28 at Brookville Junior/Senior High School (Brookville, Pa.). 

Students are seniors Ian Fuechslin (oboe), Andrew Nelson (bassoon), Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute) and Kole Yingling (string bass); junior Meghan Smith (clarinet); and sophomore Kara Sims (violin). David Anderson, Johnstown Youth Symphony Orchestra conductor and University of Pittsburgh music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, at Brookville Junior/Senior High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.

PMEA Junior High Chorus Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School Chorus were selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Chorus Festival, to be held on Friday, Jan. 20, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.

Ninth-graders Elizabeth Kelly, Aubree Machi and Kiara Van Wyk will join the Ninth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Rob Dietz, founding co-director of the A Cappella Academy and an arranger and group coach on NBC’s The Sing-Off.

Eighth-graders Emma Ladesic, Zoe Lutzic, Claire Norris, Alayna Renton, Elaina Riegler and Jenna Smith will perform with the Seventh & Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Shannon McNulty, Marlborough High School (Mass.) choral director, National A Cappella Convention executive director, and a member of the Blacklight a cappella group.

The festival will be held in memory of the late Don Hixon, the former PMEA director who developed and implemented the District 5 Junior High Chorus Festival. Hixon, a Seneca Valley graduate, succumbed to cancer at age 44 in January 2022.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Chorus Festival, to be held Jan. 11-13 at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Chorus Festival, to be held March 6-8 at Mars Area High School.

 

Students are seniors Isabela Montes and Alanna Shaw; junior Amelia Collins; and sophomore Elizabeth Kelly. Dr. Hannah Carr, Kutztown University director of university choir and vocal ensemble, will serve as guest conductor.

 

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at Mars Area High School. Tickets are $5

and may be purchased online at https://pmeadistrict5.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200444679. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

 

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

 

PMEA) Region Band Festival

Four Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Band Festival, to be held Feb. 22-24 at Deer Lakes High School.

Students are seniors Cassie Cannon (oboe), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet); and junior Carson Mahan (trombone).Dr. Patricia Cornett, Temple University Director of Bands, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Deer Lakes High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Jazz Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Jazz Band Festival, to be held Feb. 16-17 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are juniors Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); and sophomore Carter Snyder (trombone). David Glover, Slippery Rock University music department chair and assistant professor of percussion; Mike Kamuf, trumpeter, composer, and Youngstown State University and Montgomery College (Md.) jazz faculty member; and Robert Traugh, composer and Duquesne University adjunct professor of composition, will serve as guest conductors.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Slippery Rock University’s Miller Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Orchestra Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School Orchestra were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra Festival, to be held Feb. 7-9 at Hickory High School (Hermitage, Pa.).

Students are seniors Jennifer Morrison (trumpet), Meghan Smith (clarinet) and Alex Schumann (French horn); junior Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); sophomores Caroline Martin (violin), Carter Snyder (trombone) and sophomore Kai Whirlow (violin). Dr. Jungho Kim, University of North Carolina Greensboro orchestra director and associate professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at Hickory High School. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.

PMEA District Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Chorus Festival, to be held Jan. 24-26 at Mercer Area Middle/High School.

Students are seniors Lauren Karg, Isabela Montes and Alanna Shaw; juniors Amelia Collins and Niina Takeuchi; and sophomores Riley Carrel and Elizabeth Kelly. Dr. Bryan Helsel, Youngstown State University lecturer of recording arts, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at Mercer Area Middle/High School. Tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.
 

PMEA Junior High Chorus Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School Chorus were selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Chorus Festival, to be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at Blackhawk High School.

Ninth-graders Annabell Dickinson, Zoe Lutzic, Ava Moravek, Alayna Renton, Elaina Rieger and Jenna Smith will join the Ninth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Mark Boyle, Seton Hill University associate music professor and director of choral & vocal activities, 

Eighth-graders Riley Long, Ciara Spaun and Bonnie Wilbert; and seventh-grader Christopher Pelczarski will perform with the Seventh & Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Erich Lascek, Gateway High School choral director.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, at Blackhawk High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Band Festival

Six Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival, to be held Jan. 11-13 at Hopewell High School.

Students are seniors Cassie Cannon (Oboe 2), Ella Drutarosky (Flute 2), Alex Schumann (French Horn 1) and Meghan Smith (Clarinet 1); junior Carson Mahan (Trombone 1); and sophomore Carter Snyder (Trombone 3). Travis J. Weller, Messiah University music education director and music department assistant chair, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Hopewell High School. (Note: The time of the concert has yet to be determined.) Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Honors Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Band Festival, to be held Dec. 7-9 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are senior Ella Drutarosky (flute), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet); juniors Carson Mahan (trombone) and Alvin Tsao (trumpet); sophomore Carter Snyder (trombone); and freshman Mei Lien Mansfield (oboe). Dr. Galen S. Karriker, The University of Akron director of bands and music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Miller Auditorium & Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Junior High Strings Festival

Numerous Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School students were selected by solo audition for 2023 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Strings Festival, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Mars Area High School.

Students are freshmen Nathan Deemer (viola), Alayna Renton (viola) and Lila Schrecengost (violin 1); eighth-graders Emily Chadwick (violin 2), Olivia Fisher (violin 1), Natalie Hagen (violin 1), Alyson Mazurek (violin 2), Bailey Remler (bass), Lexi Riner (viola) and Matthew Wilczynski (violin 1); and, seventh-graders Alston Hung (cello), Lindsay Hutchens (violin 2), Meredith Lindsay (violin 2) and Elizabeth Shaha (violin 2). Donna S. Fox, South Hills Junior Orchestra artistic director and co-founder, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Mars Area High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Honors Chorus 

Five Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Chorus Festival, to be held Oct. 26-28 at Westminster College.

Students are senior Wyatt Gamble (Tenor 2), senior Isabela Montes (Alto 1) and Alanna Shaw (Tenor 1); junior Amelia Collins (Soprano 1); and, sophomore Elizabeth Kelly (Soprano 1). Lorraine Milovac, Belle Voci Choral Ensemble artistic director, University of Pittsburgh Treble Choral Ensemble director, and Westminster Presbyterian Church (Upper St. Clair) assistant director of music, will serve as guest conductor. 

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Westminster College. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

 

2022-2023

2023 PMEA All-State Festival 

Two Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival, to be held April 19-22 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Poconos.

Seniors Andrew Nelson (bassoon) and Kole Yingling (string bass) will perform with the All-State Orchestra Ensemble , under the direction of Timothy Dixon, Messiah University director of orchestral studies and American Youth Philharmonic director and conductor. The ensemble will perform a public concert at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

Tickets for all concerts are $20 and may be purchased online  at www.ticketor.com/pmea/. For more information, visit www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/.   

PMEA Junior High Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Band Festival, to be held Tuesday, March 28, at Hopewell High School.

Freshmen Audrey Stephenson (percussion), Carter Snyder (trombone 1), Kaden Ostapchenko (alto sax 1) and Sydney Denk (euphonium) will join the Ninth Grade Band, conducted by Dr. Jason Worzbyt, Indiana University of Pennsylvania associate director of bands.

Eighth-graders Alexis Abbey (alto sax 2), Gavin Best (trumpet 2), Sophia Gourash (clarinet 2), Amanda Morrison (flute), Mei Lien Mansfield (oboe) and Grace Nam (flute); and, seventh-grader Alexis Riner (clarinet 2) will perform with the Seventh/Eighth Grade Band, conducted by Mark Godwin, Geneva College director of bands.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at Hopewell High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Region Band Festival

Three Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Band Festival, to be held March 23-25 at Butler Intermediate High School.

Students are seniors Adriana Najjar (flute) and Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute); and junior Meghan Smith (clarinet). Christopher M. Cicconi, Towson University director of bands and orchestras and wind ensemble and symphony orchestra conductor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Butler Intermediate High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.
 

PMEA Region Orchestra Festival

Six members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Orchestra Festival, to be held March 8-10 at State College Area High School.

Students are seniors Andrew Nelson (bassoon), Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute) and Kole Yingling (string bass); and junior Meghan Smith (clarinet). Douglas Droste, Baldwin Wallace University director of orchestral studies, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at State College Area High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA Regional Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Regional Chorus Festival, to be held Feb. 23-24 at Pine-Richland High School.

Students are seniors Victoria Rojas (Alto 2) and Kole Yingling (Bass 1); and juniors Nicholas Ferrari (Bass 2 alternate), Miranda Gehm (Soprano 1 alternate) and Isabela Montes (Alto 1). Dr. Ryan Keeling, Westminster College director of choral activities, Voces Solis chamber choir artistic director, Virago women’s choir conductor, and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh associate conductor, will serve as guest conductor for the event.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at Pine-Richland High School. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Jazz Band Festival 

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Jazz Band Festival, to be held Feb. 17-18 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are senior Alex Vedernikov (trumpet); junior Jennifer Morrison (trumpet); sophomores Carson Mahan (trombone) and Jace Smith (bass); and freshman Carter Snyder (trombone).

Stephen Philip Harvey, adjunct music professor at Salisbury University and Youngstown State University; Joe Scheller, saxophonist and Kiski Area North Primary School music teacher; and, Lynn Speakman, The Calhoun School adjunct faculty member and musician, will serve as guest conductors.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Slippery Rock University. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Band Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival, to be held Feb. 9-11 at Slippery Rock University.

Students are seniors Ian Fuechslin (oboe), Adriana Najjar (flute), and Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute); and juniors Ella Drutarosky (flute), Alex Schumann (French horn) and Meghan Smith (clarinet). Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Colorado State University director of bands and music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The festival will conclude with a public concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Slippery Rock University. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Orchestra Festival

Six members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra Festival, to be held Jan. 26-28 at Brookville Junior/Senior High School (Brookville, Pa.). 

Students are seniors Ian Fuechslin (oboe), Andrew Nelson (bassoon), Madelyn Ostapchenko (flute) and Kole Yingling (string bass); junior Meghan Smith (clarinet); and sophomore Kara Sims (violin). David Anderson, Johnstown Youth Symphony Orchestra conductor and University of Pittsburgh music professor, will serve as guest conductor.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, at Brookville Junior/Senior High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmea5advocate.com.

PMEA Junior High Chorus Festival

Several members of Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School Chorus were selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Junior High Chorus Festival, to be held on Friday, Jan. 20, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.

Ninth-graders Elizabeth Kelly, Aubree Machi and Kiara Van Wyk will join the Ninth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Rob Dietz, founding co-director of the A Cappella Academy and an arranger and group coach on NBC’s The Sing-Off.

Eighth-graders Emma Ladesic, Zoe Lutzic, Claire Norris, Alayna Renton, Elaina Riegler and Jenna Smith will perform with the Seventh & Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Shannon McNulty, Marlborough High School (Mass.) choral director, National A Cappella Convention executive director, and a member of the Blacklight a cappella group.

The festival will be held in memory of the late Don Hixon, the former PMEA director who developed and implemented the District 5 Junior High Chorus Festival. Hixon, a Seneca Valley graduate, succumbed to cancer at age 44 in January 2022.

The event will conclude with a public concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit www.pmead5.com.

PMEA District Chorus Festival

Several Mars Area High School students were selected by solo audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Chorus Festival, to be held Jan. 11-13 at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.