The Martin Murphy Middle School Advanced Band added a new award
to its cap on April 2, when it competed in a Forum Music Festival
Concert in Santa Clarita, and took first place among orchestral,
band and choral groups.
The Martin Murphy Middle School Advanced Band added a new award to its cap on April 2, when it competed in a Forum Music Festival Concert in Santa Clarita, and took first place among orchestral, band and choral groups.
The middle school band, which performed Scottish Rhapsody, Amparito Roca and the Overture of 1812, was judged in the category of high school musical groups. By receiving a Gold in the competition, Martin Murphy now takes its place in the top 10 percent of all bands in their age group in the nation, based on the National Standards of Music and Performing Arts.
One festival organizer was even heard to say that it was the most impressive middle school band she had ever heard perform in a music festival, according to a parent accompanying the young musicians. Along with this prestigious honor, flute and piccolo player Kimia Ghaderi was singled out for outstanding individual musicianship.
Fernando Silvera, new to the school this year, is the band director.
After the competition, the band went to Medieval Times for a dinner and show and also to Magic Mountain, as a reward for their performing excellence.
The Martin Murphy band is now gearing up for their second annual Flea Market and Car Wash on April 24, the from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and also their annual Spring Concert, Around the World in 80 Minutes, on May 21, at 7 p.m., at the school, located at 141 Avenida España in San Jose. The public is invited to come out to help and support the music program and the students of the Morgan Hill School District.
