En May, 48 members of the Pacific Beach Middle School Concert Band and Orchestra traveled to Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale to participate in the Music In The Parks music festival.

This festival attracts elementary, middle, and high school instrumental music ensembles from around Southern California. Groups prepare three music selections: a warm-up number and two competition numbers. Two adjudicators evaluate each group and score them on intonation, balance/blend, and melodic/rhythmic accuracy.

“Both the band and the orchestra received superior ratings (92 and 90, respectively),” said John O’Donnell, metrousic Director at PBMS. “In addition, the Concert Band was awarded Best Over-all Middle School Band. At the conclusion of our performances, we left the high school to spend the rest of the day at Universal Studios Hollywood. It was a relaxing end to a stressful day.”

Cash K. Kalauli-Martin, a percussionist with PBMS Concert Band, is a rising freshman at MBHS and will continue his music studies. “In addition to the snare drum, I play the guitar and ukulele,” Kalauli-Martin said. “My interest in music started at a young age. I would definitely say that I am part of a musical family.”

Angela Bencke, president of the Pacific Beach Middle School Music Association, said the students were thrilled with the honors the band and orchestra members earned. “Our volunteer parent organization works all year to support the needs of our middle school music program,” Bencke said. “Our fundraisers result in direct and tangible support for our music program, be it sheet music, instruments for kids, festival registration, or transportation costs. We are all about supporting our middle school students by making music.”