Meyersdale Area students perform in band festival

Several members of the MAHS band were selected to perform in the 2023 County Band Festival.

The music department at Meyersdale Area Middle and High Schools enjoyed superb representation at the 2023 Somerset County Music Educators Association Band Festival held November 29 and 30 at Berlin Brothersvalley High School.

The following members of the high school band were selected to perform in this annual event: Hope Canfield, alto saxophone I; Alli Creegan, clarinet II; Destinne Manuel, tuba; Maria Housel, trumpet I; James Kretchman, trumpet II; Kyle Petroski, alto saxophone I; and Christian Nave, tenor saxophone.

Dr. Zach Cheever served as the conductor for the senior high County Band. Cheever is an assistant professor of music and director of athletic bands at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he conducts the symphony band, directs the “Legend” marching band and teaches courses in music education and theory.

After two days of intense rehearsal, the senior high band performed the following songs during the November 30 concert: “Chasing Sunlight,” “Byzantine Dances,” “Blue Orchid Tango” and “The Cave You Fear.” Participating schools included: Meyersdale, Berlin Brothersvalley, Johnstown Christian, North Star, Rockwood Area, Salisbury-Elk Lick, Shade, Shanksville-Stonycreek, Somerset Area, Turkeyfoot and Windber Area.