All Madison bands rate superior at state
All Madison bands earned superior ratings at Alabama Bandmasters Association’s Music Performance Assessment. James Clemens Wind Ensemble is shown here. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – In an impressive show of talent, all four band programs in Madison City Schools scored straight superior ratings, the highest possible, at Alabama Bandmasters Association’s Music Performance Assessment (MPA).
“Madison City has a long tradition of fine musical ensembles. When we opened James Clemens High School, I wanted to do my part in continuing that tradition with a brand new program. Students here have worked extremely hard to be a part of the musical excellence,” director Keith Anderson said.
“All band programs in the system help each other and push each other to excel. We all have a great relationship and mutual respect for one another. It’s a good feeling to take pride in everyone’s successes,” Anderson said. Stuart Tankesley is assistant director.
James Clemens Wind Ensemble performed “Valdres March”, “Panopticon Rising,” and “Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna.”
Band Director Leigh Thomas at Bob Jones High School said, “It’s amazing to me the status of the music programs in Madison currently. To have all ensembles make a superior rating at MPA is huge. I’m so proud to be teaching alongside such fine music educators.”
Bob Jones Wind Ensemble performed “Bravura,” “Be Thou My Vision” and “American Faces.” The Concert Band played “Trombone King,” “Salvation is Created” and “Avalanche.” Kevin Smart is assistant director.
Director Gwen Rakoff at Liberty Middle School entered the beginner band, which wasn’t judged, for on-stage experience. Concert Band played “Cape Breton March,” “Maesong” and “Engines of Resistance.”
Liberty Symphonic Band’s demanding program included “Pentland Hills,” “Rippling Watercolors” and “Into the Storm.” Judges especially praised sight-reading skills.
The bands’ success is “a direct result of cooperation among the six band directors. Events, like March on Madison and Madison Music Camp, facilitate a respect for all our groups,” Rakoff said. “It’s natural for students to compare the two middle and two high school bands; but I encourage it’s best for Madison when we all do well.”
Jennifer Merritt, director at Discovery Middle School, said the students’ work ethic, attitude and growth mindset have amazed her. “Changing directors is never easy, but the students have handled any adversity they have faced with poise and pride. Parents also stepped up.”
Discovery performed “Darklands March,” “As Tears Fall on Dawn’s New Light” and “Serengeti: An African Rhapsody.”
“Without community, administrative and parental support, this accomplishment would not have been possible. Leigh Thomas and Kevin Smart have been endlessly supportive for our program and its new direction,” Merritt said.
