News
Select Orchestra named Grand National Champions
June 10, 2009
The
Mohonasen High School Select Orchestra was recently named “Grand
National Champion” in the High School Orchestra category at the All
Star Music Festival National Competition.
During spring break, the high school orchestra and select orchestra competed in the All Star Music Festival in Orlando, Florida. Both groups received first place trophies in two separate categories. The Select Orchestra also received “Best Overall High School Ensemble.” Because the Select Orchestra received this superior rating, they were automatically entered into the national competition and their competition score was compared to that of ensembles from around the nation that also competed in the All Star Music Festival.
“We are very excited to be named Grand National Champions,” said Orchestra Teacher Kimberly Kondenar. “We have worked very hard over the years to develop into a group that can compete amongst established orchestra programs.”
The Select Orchestra was recognized by the Schenectady County Legislature on June 5. The Legislature made a resolution in honor of the ensemble. It reads:
Resolution
77-09
Sponsored by Legislators Jasenski and Dagostino:
A Resolution Honoring the Mohonasen High School Orchestra and Select Orchestra for their success in the All Star Music Competition in Orlando, Florida
Whereas, music students from Mohonasen Central School traveled to Orlando, Fl during their Spring Break to compete in the All Star Music competition; and
Whereas, five years ago the Mohonasen Orchestra had less than 20 students and did not perform outside the regular school day; and
Whereas, over the last five years through hard work and dedication they now compete nationally; and
Whereas, at the recent All Star Music competition in Orlando, Fl the Mohonasen High School Orchestra won first place in their division and received a ranking of "superior" and
Whereas, the Mohonasen Select orchestra also won first place in their division and was designated the best overall high school ensemble; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Schenectady County Legislature acknowledges the impressive success of the Mohonasen Orchestra members composed of Cara Kohl, Amelia Izzo, Ryan Dickson, Aaron Blanchard, Trevina Litchmore, Taylor Pugliese, Andrew Pugliese, Nate Greklek, Catherine Wilson, Tiffany Behuniak, Jenna Herbert, Ashley Blanchard, Abagail Wilson, Amanda Laven, Rachel Natalie, Victoria Rickard Jackson, Gabrielle DiCerbo, Lawrence Chung, Kaeli Tully , Justin Fuschino, Marissa Schultz, Rob Patrignani, Matt Reiss, Jake Ritz, Gabrielle Beauregard, Vicky Hsu, Nate Resila, Cody Hatfield, Brie Schneider, and Orchestra Director Kimberly Kondenar.
“We are very thankful for these recognitions since we have worked so hard to get where we are,” said Kondenar. “We are very appreciative of our parent support groups and our school community for standing behind us.”
