Students have been practicing and performing under the direction of Dr. Rich Fanning, Mr. Rob Riker, and Ms. Chase Morrison. The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) advances comprehensive and innovative music education through promoting effective instruction, providing meaningful learning experiences, and ensuring impactful and equitable music engagement for all.
February 22 Update: On Friday, February 16, the PMEA Intermediate Band and Orchestra Fest took place at Bangor High School. The event was an all day event with several hours of rehearsals for both the band and the string orchestra, followed by an amazing performance by both groups and ending with a piece featuring the two groups together. The following four students from the Moravian Academy Middle School participated in the Fest: Elias Chen '28, Sophia Chen '29 (both in the orchestra) and Jason Cho '28, Makayla Maeding '28 (both band students). Each ensemble was composed of approximately 100 students from five counties in District 10. This event was an amazing experience for our dedicated musicians. Congratulations to these talented students on this great accomplishment!
February 15 Update: Violinists Emma Derby '24, and Valia Tsirukis '24 have advanced to the Regional level of PMEA's orchestra, having successfully completed District 10 Orchestra's performance this past weekend. Regional Orchestra will take place March 21-23.
In addition, Emma Derby was awarded a scholarship by PMEA's D10 committee for continued study of music in college, which was presented to her during the concert on February 10.
Nikhil Skandan '26 participated at the PMEA District Jazz Festival on February 1 and 2. The festival was held at Kutztown High School with Kutztown University's Professor of Jazz, Commercial Music and Trumpet, Dr. Kevin Kjos. The concert on February 2 was a great success! In addition to this festival, Nikhil will also be participating in the PMEA Region Band on February 22 - 24, which will take place at East York High School. Congratulations to Nikhil for these prestigious accomplishments.
PMEA Band
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Band Festival took place on January 11-13. Moravian Academy tenth grader Nikhil Skandan '26 auditioned successfully for the District Band and participated at the festival. While there, he auditioned for the Regional Band Festival and was successful in that endeavor as well. He will participate at that festival later in February, in York, PA. The concert was an exceptional musical experience.
PMEA Chorus
The following students participated in the Northampton County Chorus Festival at Nazareth High School on Thursday, January 4- Friday, January 5: Alanna Henderson '26, Carter Pasko '26, Colin Moore '25, Connor Walters '25, Danial Siddiqui '27, Grace Baittinger '24, Hanning Yan '25, Joey Oltman '24, Lucia Cinquino '24, Matthew Brandle '25, Becca Farrell '25, Rowan Taylor '25, Teddy Kazista '26.
Three students attended the PMEA District Chorus Festival. Caden Cohan '24, Emma Derby '24, and Alicia Gordon '24 traveled to Jim Thorpe High School with Mr. Riker for the two-day festival.
PMEA Orchestra
Violinists Emma Derby '24 and Valia Tsirukis '24 will be participating in PMEA's District 10 Orchestra from February 8-10 at Bethlehem Area School District Northeast Middle School, culminating in a performance February 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM.
Also, Middle School violinists Sophia Chen '29 and Elias Chen '28 (Historic Downtown Campus) will be participating in PMEA's District 10's one-day Intermediate Orchestra Fest on February 16 at Bangor Area High School, with a performance that evening.