Schools

Ellington Music Department Earns Awards at Virginia Beach Festival

The group participated in a performance based competition and rating festival called Festivals of Music.

Recently, 85 students, eight chaperones, and two teachers from the music department at Ellington High School traveled to Virginia Beach to participate in the Festivals of Music, and at the end of the weekend, the group returned with many awards.

At the performance based competition and rating festival, the students competed against groups from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Matthew DeLassus, Director of Instrumental Music at Ellington High School, said that all students performed well and that each ensemble received a score and placement in the competition.

The concert band received a “good” rating and placed second in its division. The wind ensemble received an “excellent” rating and placed third in its division. The jazz band received an “excellent” rating, and placed first in its division.

The marching band received an “excellent” rating, and placed second in its division.

The chorale received an “excellent” rating, and placed third in its division. The vocal ensemble received an “excellent” rating, and placed third in its division.

In addition, the EHS color guard, who performs with the marching band, was awarded first place in the special award area of “Outstanding Auxiliary Unit,” and Annie Sawamura was awarded twice with as the “Best Student Accompanist,” and “Best Jazz Soloist” awards.

The most prestigious award at the festival is the Espirit de Corps award, and Ellington came home with that as well.  

The Festivals of Music Esprit de Corps Award offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this coveted prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival weekend as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit de Corps Award.

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, for whom the award is named, was there to present the awards, and he stated that it’s the first award they talk about, and the last they present because of its incredible importance, and that the award is not necessarily given out at every festival.

All the awards are currently on display in the main office at the school.


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