Wind, Jazz ensembles compete in Florida
When the Waupaca High School Wind and Jazz Ensembles returned from their trip to Orlando to compete in Orlandofest, they had something to celebrate.
The Wind Ensemble won the First Place Gold Award in its class, and the Jazz Ensemble won the Second Place Silver Award.
The Wind Ensemble competed in Class AA (500-750 school enrollment), and the Jazz Ensemble competed in Open Class (against schools from all classes).
The best surprise came to the Wind Ensemble, which in addition to the First Place Gold Award also received a “Superior” rating (I).
The Jazz Ensemble received an “Excellent” rating (II).
Groups receiving a Superior rating will have a chance to compete for one of three Grand National Champion Awards to be determined at the end of the Orlandofest festival season.
Sponsored by Universal Studios, the Orlandofest season began the first weekend in March and continues through the first weekend in June.
All high school bands, regardless of class, will be judged again from the recordings made at their initial festival appearance, and the top three will receive the Grand National Champion Award.
Results will be posted on the Orlandofest website sometime in July.
In addition to their performances, both groups received on stage clinics from one of the judges.
Susan Brandl and KellyLee Schmid were chaperones for the students.