STEVENSVILLE, MD — The Kent Island High School (KIHS) Symphonic Band returned from their first in-person All-State Band Festival performance with a Superior rating from all judges, which is the highest possible at the state level!
To provide background on this accomplishment, performing ensembles that earn Superior ratings at the District Festivals qualify for the State Festivals that are hosted in May. Both the Kent Island HS Symphonic Band and Chorus qualified for the State Festivals. The Symphonic Band performed at Morgan State University on Tuesday, April 30 and earned Superior ratings from each adjudicator – the highest rating at the State level.
“Our student musicians have worked incredibly hard to improve their craft this school year and I am proud that their work has been recognized,” said Kimberly Scully, Band Director, KIHS. “They balance numerous commitments in sports, honor societies, and organizations while performing at the highest level in our community and state.”
The KIHS Concert Choir earned an overall excellent rating for their performance and a Superior rating for their sight reading.
“It is wonderful to see such hard work pay off, as sight reading in harmony is no easy feat. The students kept their focus and calm throughout the whole performance! I am so proud,” said Reanna Sherman, Choir Director, KIHS.
On Monday, May 13th, the Stevensville Middle School (STMS) Band students also traveled to Morgan State University to participate in their first Junior All-State Festival, after earning a Superior rating at the District Festival. Shortly after their performance, they received our feedback from the judges and earned a Superior rating at the Junior All-State Band Festival!
“Stevensville Middle School’s band program has come a long way over the years, and I am incredibly proud of their hard work in becoming one of the best programs in the State of Maryland,” shared Andrew MacIntire, Band Director at STMS.
Next up was the STMS Chorus, who traveled to Maryland Hall in Annapolis on Wednesday, May 15 to participate in the Maryland State Junior Large Ensemble Festival. The STMS Choir was the only middle school ensemble from the Eastern Shore. Their Choir scored an Excellent on the performance of 2 adjudicated pieces and a Superior in sight-reading. This was the first time this ensemble has been able to qualify for Junior All-State Festival, and the students were honored to attend.
“I’m beyond proud of these students for being so tenacious in reaching for their goals. We were able to gain insightful feedback for the future to only further our success! To be the only middle school chorus from the Eastern Shore to be able to showcase our talents was such an honor,” shared Kassidy Bowman, Choir Director, STMS.
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for QACPS also praised both the Band and Choir programs at both KIHS and STMS for their incredible accomplishments.
“As we celebrate these remarkable achievements in Queen Anne’s County, I hope the public recognizes the tireless dedication of our Band and Choir Directors, whose hard work has inspired our talented students to excel. The Superior ratings and the commitment to excellence exhibited by both the KIHS and STMS music programs are truly commendable,” said Bell. “Everyone has a lot to be proud of.”