By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer
CHESTER – The Chester Grade School Band and Chorus accomplished something this spring that no other CGS Band and Chorus has ever accomplished. Both musical groups earned top honors at the 2022 Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Organizational Contest.
The Chester Grade School Chorus, under the direction of Steve Colonel and accompaniment of Vicky Beers, perform three songs for the judges in the 2022 Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Organizational Contest. The group earned an overall rating of “1st Superior”. This year the choir and band BOTH earned overall “1st Superior” ratings giving them the honor of being the ONLY band and chorus at CGS to ever earn such ratings at the same competition in the same year. Vicky Beers Photo
Both groups did well this year at the 2022 IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest bringing home three “Superior” ratings and 35 “1st Place” ratings, but… Chester Grade School earned “1st Superior” ratings in both Band and Chorus performances at the Organizational Contest.
The Chester Grade School Band, under the direction of Sue Colonel, performs one of three songs that they performed at the 2022 IGSMA Organizational Contest. The band earned “1st Superior” ratings from all three judges at this year’s contest for an overall rating of “1st Superior”. This year marks the first time in school history that BOTH the band and chorus earned all “1st Superior” ratings in the same contest in the same year. Vicky Beers Photo
At Solo and Ensemble Contest individual musicians and small groups compete for awards and they are evaluated by one judge. At Organizational Contest the entire band or chorus competes as a unit and a panel of three judges evaluate the groups or organizations and average their ratings into one single rating for the performance.
Performances consist of the band and chorus performing three different songs for the judges. Judges evaluate each performance and provide ratings based upon eight different areas including Tone Quality; Intonation; Rhythm; Balance and Blend; Technique; Interpretation and Musicianship; Diction and Articulation; and “other” performance factors such as choice of songs, appearance, poise, posture, general conduct, mannerisms, and facial expressions.
Judges are typically current or former band or choral directors and teachers. They can have experience at the grade school, high school or even college level. Some judges are also chosen from the field of professional entertainment. All judges are qualified based upon their official training and/or experience.
Due to Covid-19 concerns, all IGSMA contests were conducted virtually the past two years. Last year performances were conducted via audio recordings. In 2022 audio-visual recordings were utilized to give the judges a better opportunity to both “see” and “hear” the performances.
Some students were more stressed by being recorded both via audio and visual methods while others enjoyed performing via camera recordings. The CGS musicians, both instrumental (band) and vocal (chorus) apparently fared well in front of the camera because they earned their best ratings in school history.
In previous years, CGS Bands or Choruses, one or the other, have earned all superior ratings, but this year was a first for “both” band and chorus to earn “1st Superior” ratings overall.
The only more impressing feat would be for both band and chorus performances to receive a “perfect” score of 40 from all three judges. Chester still has that goal to strive for.
Scoring has a rating scale which totals a maximum of 40 points. Each performance area has a possibility of five points which can be earned and there are eight areas being judged.
1 point indicates a poor or unsatisfactory performance. 2 points indicates a fair performance with basic weaknesses. 3 points indicates a good performance, but lacking finesse and/or interpretation. 4 points indicates and excellent performance with some minor defects. 5 points indicates a “superior” performance which is outstanding in nearly “every” detail.
To give an indication of how well the Chester Grade School Band and Chorus performed at the 2022 IGSMA Organizational Contest both band and chorus earned overall “1st Superior ratings.
1st “Superior” ratings indicated a total of 40-38 points. 1st (Excellent) ratings indicated a total of 37-29 points. 2nd (Good) ratings indicated a total of 28-21 points. 3rd (Fair) ratings indicated a total of 20-13 points. 4th (Unsatisfactory) ratings indicated a total of 12-8 points.
Chester’s band performances included “The Navy Trident Concert March” by Robert W. Smith; “The Lake of Sorrows, Tales from the Darklands”, by Randan D. Standridge; and “Legend of the Eagles”, by David Schaffer. The band is directed by Sue Colonel.
The band was judged by Jim Childers, Christy Allen, and Jon W. Montgomery. All three judges rated the band as “1st Superior” awarding 38 points apiece for a total of total of 114 points. These were averaged for an overall rating of 38 points.
Some of the judge’s comments included, “On the whole a great performance”; “Many good things going on”; “Nice full, warm sound”; Great breath support”’ “Very nice on all of your pieces”; “Very nice clean attacks”; “Interpretation and musicianship was probably your strongest attribute”; “I am proud of your hard work”; “This is a well-taught and well-disciplined group”; You are having fun with music in this band”; “I enjoyed your performance! It shows GREAT teaching is happening in Chester.”
The CGS Chorus performed the following three songs including “Sing with Jubilation”, “Give Me Your Stars to Hold”, and “This Little Light of Mine”. The chorus is directed by Steve Colonel and accompanied by Vicky Beers.
The chorus was judged by Alisa Leffler, Christy Allen, and Jene’ Simmons. All three rated the chorus as “1st Superior” awarding a total of 117 points. Leffler awarded 40 points for a “Perfect” performance. Allen awarded 39 points, just one point shy of a “perfect” performance. Simmons awarded 38 points, two points shy of a “Perfect” performance. The 117 points averaged to give the chorus a 39 point overall performance.
Some of the judge’s comments regarding the choral performances include, “Great sound choir”; “Good balance and blend”; “Your tonal quality is lovely”; “Everyone is watching the director”; “Great job Chester!”; “Nice warm, round sound”; “Keep listening to your teacher”; “Very well-rehearsed attacks and releases”; and “I love your dynamics”.
More comments include, “You look disciplined and professional”; “Keep having fun with music and listening to your teacher”; “I think these men need a men’s group of their own in high school because they are strong and awesome! Keep it up guys!” and “I hope you ALL continue singing in high school and encourage others to join you. You only get to do high school for a short time. Take advantage of all of your opportunities to help yourself grow!”