Ski/Skate week this year was February 13th thru the 21st for students at Alder Creek Middle School (ACMS).

Many of the students took advantage of the new snow to ski/board at the local ski resorts. Some students enjoyed to time off of school at the beaches of Hawaii.

But, 11 seventh- and eighth-graders took time out of their vacation and participated in the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) — Northern Section Solo and Ensemble Festival. The festival was held at Chico State University on Saturday, February 20th.

---

---

Braving the latest snow storm to hit the Sierra Nevada, the students meet early Saturday morning and made the 2 ½ hour trip from Truckee to Chico. Each student or ensemble had to select an appropriate piece of music and then perform their rendition before a judge at the festival.

Each performance was adjudicated by one judge and given a written rating and verbal comments. This festival was a chance for the students to test their skills in a different setting then the comfort of the ACMS band.

---

---

All students did an excellent job on Feb. 20, and for many of them this was their first time performing by themselves or in a small ensemble.

During the festival, adjudicators could select soloists or ensembles they considered particularly outstanding to perform “Command Performances.”

Those individuals chosen for “Command Performances” are then asked to perform on stage at the end of either the morning or afternoon sessions. Connor McMullen received a “Command Performance” for his trumpet solo in the morning sessions.

Those performances that received a Superior rating are now eligible to attend State Solo & Ensemble Festival at CSU Sacramento, May 6-7th, 2016.

This article was provided on behalf of Alder Creek Middle School.