Contact:
Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
l to r: Sarah McBride, Adrianna Yaney, Charlie Patterson, Nathan Brockway, Nicholas Saakov
OMEA District 7 Middle School Honor Band
Six 7th- and 8th-Grade Students Selected for Prestigious Ensemble
March 18, 2024 (CHARDON,OH) — Congratulations to six (6) Chardon students on their selection for the Ohio Music Education Association's District 7 Middle School Honor Band 2024 (Feb. 29-March 1)— a prestigious musical experience hosting approximately 100 students from nearly 25 Northeast Ohio schools each year.
Thank you to Chardon High School Band Director Melissa Lichtler and Chardon Middle School Band Director Michelle Watson for their leadership of Chardon students in this learning and performance opportunity and to Chardon Crescendo Club for generously sponsoring the students' entry fees.
This year's event was held at the Mentor Performing Arts Center with Honor Band members including:
8th Grade Hilltoppers
- Nathan Brockway (tuba)
- Charlie Patterson (tuba)
- Nicholas Saakov (clarinet)
7th-Grade Hilltoppers
- Sean Howser - (percussion) - photo n/a
- Sarah McBride (saxophone)
- Adrianna Yaney (clarinet)
In the large ensemble, our students engaged in six hours of rehearsal on day one of the event.
Dr. Kopetz, of Mississippi State University and Capital University, was this year's guest conductor. He is a renowned composer of film scores and educational music; and a respected collegiate conductor.
Day two of the District 7 event entailed an outstanding polished musical performance of five (5) band pieces:
- Three Concert Fanfares by Samuel Hazo
- Prospect by Pierre LaPlante
- Courage March arranged by Andy Clark
- Pevensey Castle by Robert Sheldon
- In Darkest Night by guest conductor Dr. Kopetz
CHS Band Director Ms. Lichtler stated, “Our students represented Chardon with their excellent musical skills and their respectful and diligent attitudes.”
The Ohio Music Education Association is one of the largest state affiliates of The National Association for Music Education. OMEA District 7 comprises Geauga, Cuyahoga and Lake counties.
We Are Chardon
We Commit to High Achievement for All Students