Reflecting on the Ride

I never considered myself the sentimental type but I must admit that it‘s hard not to be as a senior.  Everything that happens this year, is happening for the last time.  This past Saturday was my last time participating in the GA Jazz Cabaret. While it is always a struggle for me to get to practice at 7:30 am, twice a week, year round, I can not help but reflect on my growth as a musician over the years and how those early morning practices improved my musicianship. As I listened to many of my friends belt their improv solos, I will always look back with fondness on the many friendships I made through the Jazz Ensemble. It has been a great ride Mr. Horner! Congratulations LS, MS, and US Jazz Ensembles and Patriot Select on performances well done!  

- Michael H.

Breaking Records en Route to Making them

This year GA sent a record number of students to the Pennsylvania Music Educators' Association (PMEA) District 11 Band. Michael Hanamirian, Peter Hillinck, Tim Reuter, Eli Scheleicher, and myself, all seniors, spent three days at the end of January perfecting professional level music in a group of 70 high school students selected from high schools from Montgomery and Bucks County.

Our conductor, Dr. Jason Worzbyt, was so surprised at this year's band's preparation that he complimented us every single time he spoke to us as a group (which was too many times to count). The three day event culminated in a performance that had everyone on their feet by the end of the last song.
 

The five of us all met a wide range of unique and talented musicians, all were excited about music and love spreading it. We were also proud to represent our school, as GA was one of the few schools to send at least five students to District Band. This is a great testament to the music program at GA, led by Mr. Mauro, the Wind Ensemble director, Mr. Horner, the orchestra director, and Mr. Masters, the new performing arts head.

The five of us are sad to have performed at our last District Band, but are happy to leave GA on a positive note.

Not pictured: Michael Hanamirian

 -- Brett C.