ERIE- This past weekend fourteen North Penn High School students represented a variety of musical ensembles at the PMEA All-State Festival in Erie, PA. The fourteen students went through a series of auditions starting at auditioning for the districts, and gradually playing their way to the State level.

“This year fourteen students represented North Penn at the PMEA All-State festival in four of the five ensembles. The performances were absolutely outstanding.  What a proud moment to watch our students shine,” said Orchestra Director, Erica Milbourne.

Sophomores, Courtney Sabanas and Vinayak Shankar performed at the Festival representing the orchestra. Representing chorus were juniors Emma Moyer and Kyle Preston, and senior Noelle Horrell. The band brought the most students that it has ever brought in years. Sophomores James Murphy and Allison Yang, juniors Jessica Liu, and Nicholas Neu, and seniors Veronica Laguna, Evan Rondinelli, Alexandra Rothman and Julia Monkovic all represented the band.

“Music is my emotional release from the stress of everyday life and a way to connect with myself and the people who mean the most to me, and this accomplishment really encourages me to continue developing my passion for it even though it won’t be my major in college,” said Monkovic.

Outstanding performances came from all three music groups. Exceptionally in band, Neu was the only one to represent North Penn in the All-State Wind Ensemble. In addition, Monkovic received 1st chair Flute and Yang received 1st chair Clarinet. To receive first chair is such an honor because that means you are the best of the best in the state.

“My original goal as a sophomore for these PMEA festivals was just to make the district level- to think I’m leaving my senior year as the first chair flute of the all state band is so mind blowing and a little overwhelming. Although it takes a lot of self discipline and perseverance, it can be fun to prove yourself wrong and reach levels you never thought were attainable,” said Monkovic.

All underclassmen that performed at the All-State Festival now have the opportunity to audition for the national group. The National Fest is held in Orlando in November, 2017. All the North Penn music directors hope to have a few students represent each group there.

“I think everyone did very well. All of the All-State concerts were really tremendous. The kids represented North Penn very well. It’s a constant building process where you go through the District audition way back in December. Then you go through District band, and re audition for Region band. Then you go to audition for the All-State group. It’s always a challenge when you are auditioning for seats within an ensemble all over the entire state, but we had two of our students to receive first chair in our sections, so that’s a pretty tremendous accomplishment,” said Band Director, Michael Britcher.