SV Choirs earn top ratings at Music Performance Assessment

MPA SV

For the 27th consecutive year, the Seneca Valley Choral Department hosted a Music Performance Assessment event on March 27, in honor of Music In Our Schools month. Approximately 600 Seneca Valley Chorus students in grades 7-12 participated in this Pennsylvania Music Education Association (PMEA) event. The goal of a PMEA adjudication (MPA) event is to provide opportunities for students within ensembles to receive a clinic with a collegiate judge, scores, written and recorded comments, and a rating that reflects performance levels. It provides a “snapshot” evaluation of the implementation of music curriculum and provides meaningful feedback to the directors and students via adjudicator verbal and written comments. The PMEA assessment forms are correlated to state standards, testing terminology and traditional grading. Ensembles can receive comments only, or ratings of Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor. Attending an adjudication is valuable, however, hosting one is an even greater indicator of the dedication our SV Choral department has. All SV choirs, grades 7-12, performed.

The adjudicators for the event were Dr. Mark Boyle from Seton Hill University, Craig Cannon of Belle Voci Pittsburgh, and Christine Jordanoff (retired) of Duquesne University. “I’m so honored to be here judging with Western Pennsylvania Choral Royalty,” said Dr. Mark Boyle. “I work with high school choirs around the Pittsburgh area every Friday. This chorus program is far beyond the norm. There is something very special at Seneca Valley!”

The SV Choral directors who participated included Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander, Ms. Claire Barker and Ms. Chessa Crum. The Seneca Valley Choral Boosters provided support as chaperones and as assistants in organizing and implementing the details of the event. The SV Madrigal Singers, Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Men’s Choir and Eighth Grade Choir all received Superior Ratings; and the Seventh Grade and Grade 9/10 Choir received Excellent Ratings. Congratulations to all! The collaboration of district officials, students, parent helpers, teachers and collegiate judges made the day a fantastic educational experience and a great success!