Eleven Parkland students recently participated in All-State performance groups at the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association annual conference in April at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

They were selected through a series of auditions starting last fall at the District 10 level which includes Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Schuylkill counties.

Parkland had more students in District 10 band, chorus and orchestra than any other school.

Following the district events, students could audition to advance to regional band, chorus and orchestra festivals.

The All-State Chorus contingent included Abigail Hill, Alto I; Aylor Scandola, Alto II; and Ava Del Rio, Alto II.

Parkland’s chorus director is Frank Anonia.

Alex Tang, clarinet, was chosen for the All-State Wind Ensemble, and Olivia Wilkinson, clarinet, was selected for All-State Band.

Megumi Takahashi qualified for All-State Band and Orchestra but could participate in only one group.

She chose the All-State Orchestra where she was principal flute.

Jason Lerew is Parkland’s band director.

At All-State Orchestra, Raphael Ettinger-Finley was assistant concert master on Violin I.

Su chir Agarwal participated on Violin I, Conrad Lee on Violin II, Jacob Schultz on principal bass, and Coby Lindenmuth on bass.

Brian Mishler is director of the orchestra at Parkland.

The All-State music students were introduced and commended by high school Principal James Moniz at the May 28 school board meeting.

“They are tremendous students and leaders who work hard to attain their level of achievement. They don’t go to study halls. They are in the music rooms,” Moniz said. They are in the practice rooms before and after school.”

He said they are great representatives of Parkland within the school, and at concerts and festivals elsewhere.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak announced Parkland was selected as one of the 2019 Best Communities for Music Education Award.

“This is a great honor that reflects the partnership between music educators, students, administration, school board, parents, alumni, and music boosters,” Sniscak said.

The Best Communities for Music Education Award is supported by the National Association of Music Merchants and was bestowed upon 623 outstanding programs from across the United States.

Board member David Kennedy commented on the music achievements.

“Not only do we have the academics and athletics, but we have the arts,” Kennedy said.