Milpitas High Music Program Earns Accolades

Submitted to Milpitas Patch by Christopher Kaldy of the Milpitas Unified School District.

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Various groups in the Music Program have been hard at work, racking up a long list of awards and accolades throughout the month of March.

At the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival on March 17, the MHS Jazz Band earned two "Superior" ratings and two "Excellent" ratings.

In addition, two students took home individual awards. Mary Gutierrez, who plays clarinet and tenor saxophone; and Zack Barnes, who plays piano, both received "Outstanding Musician" awards.

A whopping 43 different student groups participated in the recent California Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival at San Jose State University on March 24.

MHS walked away with a long list of awards, including 28 "Superior" ratings, 15 "Excellent" ratings, and an impressive six "Command Performance" ratings, which is the highest distinction one can receive for "outstanding musicianship."

In addition, the entire MHS Instrumental Music Department - all 172 students - participated in the annual San Joaquin Delta College Band and Orchestra Festival on March 29.

The Wind Ensemble, the Orchestra and the Symphonic Band, which is made up primarily of ninth grade students, all earned "Superior" ratings for their performances. 

For more information on music programs at Milpitas High School, visit www.mhsmusic.org. For more information on elementary music programs, visit http://musd.ca.schoolloop.com/music.