Kirkwood High School Orchestra Program Earns Top Honors at National Competition
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Kirkwood High School Orchestra Program Earns Top Honors at National Competition
The Kirkwood High School Orchestra program achieved extraordinary success at the Heritage WorldStrides National Competition held on Saturday, March 28, in Chicago, Illinois. Competing against outstanding orchestras from Washington, Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, and Tennessee, both the Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra delivered exceptional performances, sweeping their respective divisions and earning multiple top honors.
The Symphonic Orchestra received a Gold Rating, awarded to ensembles earning a score of 90 or higher from all three judges, as well as the prestigious Adjudicator Award for scores of 92 or higher from all judges. The group also earned 1ST Place Division 3A and was recognized with the Outstanding Orchestra Award, given to the highest-scoring orchestra of the entire competition.
The Concert Orchestra also earned a Gold Rating and the Adjudicator Award, along with 1st Place Division 2A, marking an equally impressive achievement.
Both orchestras received invitations to the esteemed Festival of Gold, an honor extended only to ensembles earning Gold Ratings at division competitions. Additionally, the combined excellence of both groups secured the Instrumental Sweepstakes Award, recognizing the highest overall score among instrumental programs bringing multiple ensembles.
A total of 118 students participated in the competition, representing the strength, dedication, and talent of the Kirkwood High School Orchestra program. The orchestras are led by directors Fariga Drayton-Conway, Sarah Dane, Monet Royal, and Jessica Platt.
Special thanks are extended to chaperones Amanda McKay, Erik Soell, Sandy Kocke, and Carla Galik-Nemmers for their invaluable support throughout the trip.
Winning at a national competition featuring ensembles from across the United States is a significant accomplishment. The Kirkwood High School community is immensely proud of these students for their hard work, discipline, and dedication to musical excellence.