Excellence in performance

Music Performance Assessment

On March 18, the Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Instrumental Music Department hosted an adjudication event for all sixth and seventh grade instrumental students. Referred to as a Music Performance Assessment (MPA), this activity is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) with the intent of providing feedback to students based on their performance. Each ensemble prepares two pieces that are performed for a panel of judges who assess the group’s performance and provide input based on a set of statewide criteria. The feedback provided to the students gives them an idea of how they rank with similar schools across the state in terms of overall performance. This year’s panel of adjudicators were educators from Mt. Lebanon School District, Peters Township School District, Carnegie Mellon University and Seton Hill University.

In addition to performing chosen pieces, the seventh grade band and orchestra participated in a sight-reading component, where they were evaluated on their ability to play through a piece of music for the first time with as few mistakes as possible. In place of sight-reading, the sixth grade ensembles had the opportunity to work with one of the adjudicators in a masterclass setting where they were given live feedback of their performance.

The RGMS seventh grade band and Ehrman Crest sixth grade band received Superior Ratings for their performance. The RGMS seventh grade orchestra and Ehrman Crest sixth grade orchestra also received Excellent Ratings. The Haine Middle School sixth grade band and orchestra received comments only.

Haine Middle School instrumental directors are Kelly Levere (band) and Marlena Hasara (orchestra). Ehrman Crest Middle School directors are Tracy Glass (band) and Mandy Lesney (orchestra). RGMS instrumental directors and event hosts are Sarah Miller (orchestra), Millie Shay (orchestra), Brian Croach (band) and Sara Snyder (band).