On March 16, 2024, four groups in the Marietta High School music department traveled to East Muskingum Middle and High Schools where they competed in the OMEA District IX Large Group Contest. These groups included Cantabile, Bass Chorus, and Treble Chorus which are directed by Mr. Scott Rieder, and the Symphonic Band directed by Mr. Korey Parlin. While competing, each group performs several songs for the judges in which the group will be given three separate ratings based on performance. Then, the group will be given new music and must sight-read this piece for the judges who will give another rating based on sight-reading abilities. These ratings will determine whether the group will attend the State competition.
Cantabile performed first and received superior ratings from all three judges, which are the highest ratings a judge can give, and also a superior rating in sight reading. Bass Chorus competed second and also received straight superior ratings and much appraisal in the sight-reading room. Treble Chorus performed last and received all superior ratings as well in both performance and sight-reading. These choirs made up three out of four groups who earned straight superior ratings and, as a result, qualified for the State competition held in April.
Sight reading was something the choirs wanted to improve on from the last contest. Scott Rieder, Choir Director for MCSD. expressed his feelings on the choir’s preparation for the contest. “The choirs emphasized sight reading preparation this year, working sight reading into our daily practice routine. This made a huge impact on the results, as one of the superior ratings each choir received was based on sight reading skills alone.”
Rieder further discussed his thoughts on the results from the contest. “This is a huge achievement for our music department. It truly serves as a testament to the dedication of our students, and the quality of the instruction they are receiving in both the band and choir programs.”
As for the band, the most advanced band group, the Symphonic Band, received straight superior ratings both in performance and in sight-reading and was one of three bands who earned these ratings. Korey Parlin, Director of MCSD Bands, received immense praise from the judges for the band’s sight-reading abilities and musical performance. The adjudicators stated the band’s musicality made up for small errors and the expression and dynamics in the music were well executed.
Parlin relayed his thoughts about the band’s performance. “I was very pleased with the performance and thought it was well deserved. Ironically, the performance they gave was not necessarily the best that I have seen them perform before, which shows that they were so well prepared that their less than perfect performance was respected and well-interpreted by judges.”
The band started learning the required music and addressing ensemble weaknesses, including blend and balance, for this contest after the holiday break. There were after school rehearsals and even a mock contest with other schools including Morgan, Mayesville, and Crooksville. Students also incorporated sight reading into daily practice. This involved the students getting four minutes to study the music and four minutes of instruction before performing the piece.
Parlin discussed the direction that the band program has been heading as of late. “I think the band’s performance was very impressive and showcases their growth over the last three years. The program’s three ensembles allow for preparation among students who are at different levels.”
There are about twenty-one students who do both band and choir in the music program. Both directors encourage students to be involved in both band and choir because each program offers concepts that will help students advance music reading abilities and have memorable experiences. Any students attending Marietta High School who are interested in joining the music department, reach out to Mr. Rieder and Mr. Parlin for more information.