J.C. Booth Musicians Excel in State Level Performance

Middle School Bands Achieve Top Scores in Evaluations

Two J.C. Booth Middle School bands, under the direction of Mr. Robert Burton, scored straight “1’s”, the highest marks possible, in the 6th District Performance Evaluation March 26 and 27.

The 6th Grade Advanced Band and the Symphonic Band consisting of 7th and 8th graders played for other competing bands and judges who scored them on technical abilities, sound and stage presence, among other things.

The Symphonic Band scored a “1” in sight reading, the most difficult part of the festival. The group was given a grade level “4” piece of music (out of 6 levels) that they had never seen before. They were given three minutes to look at the music individually followed by three minutes of guidance from the director. Then they played.

The judges awarded them with “A’s” in all categories, commenting that it was an “outstanding performance,” noting that excellent instructions were given by the director during the study period.

The Symphonic Band also performed three prepared pieces and were awarded a rating of a “1”. Comments from the judges told the story. “You should be so proud!” wrote one judge. “You made people listen! Fantastic!”

The 6th Grade band performed at the same high level, achieving a rating of “1” in both sight reading and performance.

“I am extremely proud of all these young men and women,” said Director Burton. “The minute they stepped off the bus they were all business; they listened and took great direction. They pulled together as a team and directing them was a pure pleasure.”

The performance evaluation program, sponsored by the Georgia Music Educators Association, is an evaluation procedure of musical performance and sight-reading abilities for individual students, performing groups, and teachers. Recognized authorities in the field of music education critique the participation of bands and musicians during a planned performance evaluation schedule and provide their written and/or oral opinions. The goal of the program is to promote musical knowledge through performance; to raise student standards of musicianship, instrumentation and technical knowledge; and to offer students and teachers the opportunity of extended listening to the best work of peer groups from other schools.