The Renton Junior High School choir and 7th and 8th grade bands finished the school year receiving high ratings from judges at different festivals throughout the state. (Photos courtesy of Brenda Bressler)
By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted May 22, 2019 — 10:30 a.m. EST
The Renton Junior High School choir and bands had a very successful string of performances this school year, earning them top ratings from judges, as well as spots at state level competitions.
On March 3, the Renton choir scored a 105 (excellent-blue medal) in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District 12 festival.
The score qualified the choir for the state level competition, which happened to be a first in Renton history.
“This was the first time in Renton history that any choir has qualified. Congratulations to our group of amazing vocalists,” said Brenda Bressler, director of choir and bands at Renton Junior High.
“Once the choir set the bar, the band responded in true Renton style,” she added.
During the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 12 festival at Woodhaven High School on March 9, the Renton 7th and 8th grade bands earned a Division I (excellent-blue medal) rating, which qualified them for the state level competition.
Following the high rated performances at the festival, the bands kept rolling with the success.
On April 26, the 7th and 8th grade bands traveled to Churchill High School in Livonia for the MSBOA State Band Festival and earned solid Division II (excellent) ratings from judges.
The bands also had the opportunity during the festival to participate in a clinic with Dr. John Madden, former director of bands at Michigan State University.
“This is only the fourth time in school history that the Renton Bands have made it to the state level of competition,” Bressler said.
The choir again received high ratings May 3 after traveling to Holt High School for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Choral Festival.
“While MSVMA does not give official ratings to junior high groups at state festival, the judges’ comments indicated that they viewed the performance as a Division I (superior) performance,” Bressler said.
Related article: Renton Junior High music teacher honored as teacher of the month
Several band students were also praised by Bressler for representing Renton well during the Downriver Music Guild annual Middle School All Star Band performances at Flat Rock High School on April 13.
A group of Bressler’s students were also invited to participate May 14 in the Bowling Green State University Middle School Honors Band. The students spent the day on Bowling Green’s campus and worked with collegiate instructors before presenting a concert in the evening.
The community has the chance to catch the award winning choir and bands perform for one last time this school year.
“The Renton bands and choir invite the community to join us for our final concerts of the school year,” Bressler said.
The 7th and 8th grade bands will take the stage on June 4 and the choir and beginning band perform on June 5.
Both events start at 7 p.m. in the Huron High School auditorium and are free to the public.
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