(Flickr)

On Saturday, January 27, Columbus Academy students competed at OMEA’s solo and ensemble competition, held at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus. 

Academy’s Choir sent 18 soloists and 4 ensembles, of whom 90% earned a superior rating (I), and 10% earned an excellent rating (II). Orchestra sent 21 soloists and 3 ensembles with 63% earning a superior rating, and 31% achieving “excellent.” Our Band sent 10 soloists and and 6 ensembles, and 69% earned a superior rating, and 31% netted an “excellent.” 

Band director Jessica Sneeringer said, “We say stuff that’s really valuable all day long, but kids have heard us a thousand times. So it’s nice to hear someone else [the judges] . . . say the same things. Maybe it carries more weight? It resonates a lot more.” 

Not only is the feedback students receive important, the experience they gain from working together in an ensemble group is valuable as well. Sneeringer says, “Collaboration and developing communication skills go way beyond music. They’re life skills that will absolutely benefit them the rest of their lives.”