The Principles Own Concert Band and Hoover String Orchestra performed at two Instrumental Music Festivals this month, while receiving unanimous superiors across all judges. 

Superior is the highest rating that can be awarded to an ensemble, which is an incredible achievement for Hoover Instrumental Music. Performing groups can be given Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor. There is no “winner” or “1st place” when it comes to these music festivals, as their goal is to improve students’ music literature and and to provide a great experience for musicians. 

The first festival was on March 1st at Glendale High. This was the 21st Anniversary GUSD festival, where music ensembles from GUSD high schools and middle schools performed in front of two judges. This was a great opportunity for local music students, as they got to experience performing in front of judges and receiving feedback, while also watching other ensembles from the community. 

The second festival was a Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) district festival located at Sierra Vista High School on March 11th, where the ensembles performed in front of three judges. SCSBOA is a non-profit organization who sponsors and supports music education in Southern California. This festival was a great way to expand music students’ experience, as they were able to watch groups from around the district and perform for a different panel of judges.

Judges for these festivals are specialists in the music field who provide constructive criticism and feedback to all performing ensembles, while also offering clinics to give advice and help students along on their music journey. 

Because Principles Own and Orchestra received superior ratings, they can attend the Regional SCSBOA festival at the end of April, which will be a great opportunity for music students to perform out of the district and expand their music knowledge.