All of the judges were impressed with the high level of professionalism displayed by the students on stage and the high quality of literature performed by each group.

The VMS Jazz Band and the VMS Percussion Ensemble both received straight superior ratings and both were awarded first place in each of their respective classes. Jazz Band soloists Kreshon McDowell and Chaker Fares, and eighth-grade Concert Band soloists Kitra Cates and Takiya Jackson were recognized as outstanding instrumental soloist for the festival.

Following the festival, all of the band members, staff, and chaperones enjoyed two days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Theme Parks with the award ceremony inside the park.

In April, VMS band students participated in the GMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students were awarded more that 100 superior medals for solo, duet, and trio performances. The Percussion Ensemble and the Jazz Ensemble once again garnered superior ratings from the judges during this event.

The sixth-grade Beginning Band participated in the Wild Adventures Classic on May 1. These first-year band students received superior ratings and a score of 96 from a possible 100 points for their performance.

The students spent the rest of the day enjoying the rides at Wild Adventure Park.

The VMS Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Travis Downs, recently received the prestigious invitation to perform at the 63rd Annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, on Dec. 18. Dr. Joe Brashier, director of bands at Valdosta State University, said, “the selection process for this event is the most highly competitive and demanding of any conference in the field of middle/high school instrumental music.”

More than 15,000 composers, public school music educators, administrators, professional musicians, military musicians and conductors, university teachers and students and booster representatives attend the Midwest Clinic each year.

As the school year closes and summer begins, Valdosta Middle School Band directors and students are already anticipating next year’s activities. Percussion Ensemble students are very excited and have begun preparation for the trip to Chicago, by attending scheduled summer rehearsals and lessons to improve their musical skills.

To learn more about this trip and how members of the community can help these students with travel expenses, please call the VMS band room at (229) 333-8562. Donations can be mailed to Valdosta Middle School Band, 110 Burton Ave., Valdosta, Ga. 31602.