(By OHS Band Director Christalin Ginn) Osmond Junior High band and choir students made a strong impression at the Wayne State Middle School Music Festival on Tuesday, March 10, marking the school's first time participating in the event. Students delivered outstanding performances across both large and small ensembles, earning numerous top ratings and valuable feedback from adjudicators.
Several groups and individuals received Superior ratings, the highest possible score at the festival. The junior high band earned a Superior rating, along with a tenor/bass ensemble consisting of Toby Koehler, Micah Crosby, Hunter Wheeler, and Lane Brummels.
A soprano/alto ensemble featuring Amberlin Marks, Sierra Koehler, Isabella Buol, Ally Dahlin, and Elliot Kumm also earned top honors, as did another soprano/alto ensemble made up of Aubree Erickson, Olivia Hille, Harper Gansebom, and Kaylee Bahr.
The bass (men’s) chorus received a Superior rating, and Harper Gansebom was recognized with a Superior rating for a piano solo performance.
In addition, many Osmond students and ensembles earned Excellent ratings for their performances. These included the junior high mixed chorus and treble (women’s) chorus.
Tenor/bass ensembles receiving Excellent ratings included Cooper Kumm, Tucker Thelen, Hudson Steinkraus, and Dillon Mauro; Max Blunck, Emmett Hoffman, William Crosby, and Alexander Fritz; and Jaxson Miller, Reid Brummels, Gage Krienert, and Keegan Resinger.
Soprano/alto ensembles earning Excellent ratings included Kayleigh Bolz, Winter Wiseley, Alyvia Koehler, and Myleigh Hernandez; Khole Mendilk, Aylah Moore, and Ashlynn Riley; and Kait Gubbels, Ciara Hart, Rylan Gansebom, and Kendra Gardner.
Participation in the festival provided students with a valuable opportunity to perform in a new setting and receive constructive feedback from experienced judges. The event emphasized musical growth, technique, and performance skills, giving students insight into areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement.
The festival proved to be a great success for Osmond junior high in its inaugural year of participation. Students rose to the challenge and represented their school with pride, demonstrating a high level of preparation and musicianship. Their performances reflect both their dedi cation and the continued growth of the Osmond music program.
