During the 2018–2019 school year, Middletown Area High School musicians Cassidy Anderson and Megan Burghdorf practiced with dedication to gain a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s local, district, and state music honor ensembles. After excelling on the state level, both students went on to audition for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Honor Ensembles. Both students were excited to learn that they were selected for the 119 piece concert band.
On November 7, 2019, Anderson and Burghdorf joined 555 high school students from 49 states and territories at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. They joined the best of the best from around the country to rehearse a challenging repertoire under the direction of Dr. Emily Threinen, University of Minnesota. Anderson played the Bb Contrabass Clarinet and Burgdorf played the trumpet. Megan’s extraordinary talent on the trumpet earned her the honor of second chair and was chosen for a duet selection in one of the band’s pieces. The student musicians exhibited collaboration and creativity in its highest musical form. In addition to the concert band the other ensembles that participated were: symphony orchestra, mixed choir, jazz ensemble, guitar ensemble and modern band. The ensembles rehearsed for several hours each day in preparation for their public concert at the end of the event.
Both girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I love playing with people who are so good at what they do and love doing it," said Megan. "It's so fun when we all have the passion for the same thing.” Cassidy commented, “Everyone was genuinely friendly and worked well together. Our conductor was very engaging and enthusiast. She was so personable and friendly and kept our focus because we respected her because she respected us.”
And it didn’t hurt that they got a break from rehearsing to take a trip to Epcot!