2 Knoch musicians make all-state honors ensemble
A pair of musicians at Knoch High School will perform at a top-level competition by earning a spot at the state Music Educator’s Association All-State Festival music ensembles concert band.
The district has announced that Marina Smith and Ian Squyres, both juniors, were selected through audition to play in the state honors ensemble.
Students in school districts across the state perform individually for a panel of judges to determine their rank, according to a Knoch news release.
Those who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other association regions.
The highest-ranking student musicians at the regional level qualify to perform in one of six All-State music ensembles.
The students from those performances who qualify, which includes Marina and Ian, will perform from April 19 to 22 at the annual PMEA All-State Festival at the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos.
Marina will perform as a percussionist although she performed in a separate competition last year at the state and national level on her upright bass.
Ian is one of just six tenor saxophonists at all-state competition, which will be his first experience in performing at the all-state level.
“I am so very proud of these young musicians,” said Rick Hayden, Knoch band director. “This is a huge accomplishment for Ian and Marina.”
Todd Trofimuk, Knoch High principal, agreed.
“It is an awesome opportunity for these students who work hard in an out of school and put in countless hours to perfect their craft,” Trofimuk said. “This is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their gifts.”
