(by Rosemary Skilling, GMS band and music teacher)
Seventh and Eighth Grade MMEA District 1 Honors Festival: Students audition in the fall. Only a certain number of students make it into each ensemble. Then, in late winter, for two days, students work with students from several other schools and a guest conductor to perform for their families. This year’s festival was held at Westbrook Middle School. Gorham was very proud that four students earned first chair (top score) on their instruments: Ethan Butler (French Horn), Adeline McCrillis (Alto Saxophone), Lillian McCarthy (Trombone), and Lyla Hatch (Clarinet).
Sixth Grade MMEA District 1 Honors Festival: Students are nominated by their teachers. Each year, a certain percentage of students are chosen to participate in this festival. For many students, this is their first experience of playing at a festival. This year’s festival was hosted here at Gorham High School.
6th Grade MMEA District 1 North Honors Festival Chorus(L to R): Rae Whitty, Grace Wallace, Evelyn Willett, Abby Espejo, Hala Abdelraheem, Gwen Garland-Morris (Photo by Rosemarie Skilling)
7th & 8th Grade MMEA District 1 Honors Festival Chorus(L to R): Kyler Smith, Améllie Esmiller, Cici Vo, Nora Emlet, Ada White, Patrick Vanmeter, Max Castonguay, Gabe Soler, Will Haase, Caleb West, Tony Costa (photo by Rosemary Skilling)
7th & 8th Grade MMEA District 1 Honors Festival BandRow 1 (Front): Lillian McCarthy, Adeline McCrillis, Lyla Hatch
Row 2: Emma Howe, Evan Holland, Ethan Butler, Maria Muanza
Row 3: Houlton Hofman, Reid Stevens, Ben Emerson, Will Sundik (photo by Rosemary Skilling)
6th Grade MMEA District 1 North Honors Festival BandLeft to Right: Will Reynolds, Gabby Saldivar, Rowan Connor, Madeline Musser (Photo by Rosemary Skilling)