Gold-rated students at the MSHSAA Music Festival

Vocal and Instrumental Students Wow Judges at MSHSAA State Music Festival

Ten MICDS vocal and instrumental students participated in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Music Festival held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In order to participate at the state level, these students earned a “1” (Exemplary) rating at the MSHSAA District Solo/Ensemble Festival held in March. Students performed one or two pieces before an adjudicator who provided written comments and critique on areas such as intonation, tone quality, articulation, dynamics, and interpretation/style.

Each performer is assigned an overall rating of Gold (Exemplary), Silver (Excellent) or Bronze (Good). “It was remarkable to see our MICDS music students perform with confidence and poise,” shared Andrew Jackson, Upper and Middle School Instrumental Music and Middle School Vocal Music Accompanist. “The judges finished each MICDS performance with genuine smiles and audience members were equally impressed with the students’ musicianship.”

The following students received remarkable ratings at this highly competitive event.

Gold Ratings:
Ryan Ahn ’20, Violin Solo
Izzy Essman ’18, Vocal Solo
Rafi Gil Diaz ’19, Clarinet Solo
Lucy Zhao ’20, Violin Solo
Flute Trio: Lucy Cadanau ’18, Kelci Creath ’19, Binxuan Zhang ‘18
Clarinet Trio: Rafi Gil Diaz ’19, Eric Ji ‘21, Leigh Dennis ‘18

Silver Ratings:
Ryan Ahn ’20, Alto Sax Solo
Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20, Vocal Solo

The MICDS vocal music students are under the direction of Dana Self. Instrumental music students are under the direction of Andrew Jackson and Josh Baumgartner. A standing ovation goes to them and these students on these resounding, noteworthy achievements!