PMEA All-State Festival and Conference

Seventeen Seneca Valley musicians hit all the high notes and earned top honors at the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival and Conference. In the Performing Arts world this is the equivalent of making it to the state championship. The PMEA All-State Festival and Conference took place at the Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, which included full public performances featuring nationally recognized guest conductors.

The All-State Jazz Ensemble was conducted by New York City based trumpeter, Joseph Boga. Boga is a member of the legendary ensemble Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. The jazz ensemble performed at part of “jazz night” for the conference on Friday, April 21. The jazz ensemble participant was Leanne Abel.

The All-State Choir was conducted by Dr. Amanda Quist, Director of Choral Activities for the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. SV students rehearsed with Dr. Quist over the course of three days that culminated with a performance on Saturday, April 22. Choir participants included Callum Williams, Leta Hixon, Jackon Hugus, Elizabeth Hixon, Isaac Hixon, Anya Maschmeier, Emma Zelesnak, Ayla Alexander, Natalie Palmer and Colton Marley.

The All-State Wind Ensemble was conducted by Dr. Patricia Cornet, Director of Bands at Temple University. The All-State Concert band was conducted by Dr. F. David Romines, Director of Bands at Marywood University. Both ensembles performed a concert on Saturday, April 22. Wind ensemble participants included Raymond Walter, Peter Ko, Bridget Scott, Paityn Armstrong and Mackenzie Tunstall.

The All-State Orchestra was conducted by Dr. Timothy Dixon, Director of Orchestral Studies at Messiah University. Their performance closed the entire conference with a performance on Saturday afternoon, April 22. The orchestra participant was Isabella Muthler.