This past Wednesday on April 29th, the Upper Merion Music Department hosted their select ensemble concert that featured smaller performing groups such as the Chamber Strings, Viking Bass Trio, Concert Choir, Viking Voices, Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir, and the Upper Merion Jazz Band. But next week, audiences will get to appreciate the full ensemble as the music department hosts their last Spring Concert of the year, on May 7th at 7pm, which features the recognition of their seniors and some harmonious, beautiful music. Let’s take a closer look at what these talented individuals accomplished during the 2025-2026 performance season.
Students all over Pennsylvania audition for PMEA, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, in which music education is promoted through learning and performance arts. The audition process first starts in select districts across the state with 12 districts being recognized in the program. Students who pass Districts can then advance to Regions, and then All-state for choir, band, or orchestra if they make it through auditions for Regions. The music department this year was able to send 2 people to District 11 Concert Band, with Lenix Best 27’ on baritone and Shaun Taylor 27’ on tuba, as they performed at Wissahickon high school. Jorge Ortega-Hernandez 26’ also advanced to Districts by auditioning for District Choir as a Bass singer, and performed at Hatboro Horsham high school for District 11. Cole Burkhart 27’ made it into PMEA’s first District 11 Jazz ensemble on guitar and performed at a festival hosted by Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Every student who was able to represent Upper Merion at these festivals has brought back a lot of pride to our community, and demonstrated that music still has a strong presence in our district, despite the effects of COVID-19 on music education as a whole.
Speaking of festivals, the Upper Merion Jazz Band had a successful competitive season this year as they performed at various high schools for the organization, “Cavalcade of Bands”. The ensemble scored a rating of ‘Outstanding’ at all of the festivals they competed at this season, with a few students earning soloist awards for their featured solos. Students who were named as an Honorable Mention for their solos were Lucas Albini on trumpet and Tony Ledbetter on Tenor Saxophone. Earning soloist medal awards were our very own Lenix Best on trombone and Darius Miller on the drumset. The jazz band has significantly matured from last year, especially with the many new underclassmen members of the ensemble. With their young talent already providing a great leverage for the group, there is no doubt that the ensemble has a chance to blow our minds away in the next upcoming season.
In addition to these achievements, the music department’s string orchestra participated in SOFA, the String Orchestra Festival Adjudication, at Methacton High School. Their performance scored high points earning them an “Excellent” ranking. Their energetic, melodic performance was once again brought into light with the High Notes Music Festival, held at Hershey park, alongside band and choir as well. Given the consistency in remarkable success throughout the school year, the music department as a whole, without a doubt, exceeded expectations and delivered stellar performances at this festival.
With all the success the department has achieved this year, it is safe to say that the future of the Upper Merion Music Department has the potential to reach greater heights in years to come. Though a sad farewell for our seniors is in order, seniors who have been involved in music for as long as they can remember, the recognition during the concert is sure to be a beautiful reminder of the memories they shared and the connections they made while creating music. So please watch this year’s last Spring Concert in the auditorium on May 7th at 7pm, or catch the livestream on the Viking Channel. Hope to see you there!
