Special to 1831Galion
For approximately 40 years, The National Association for Music Education has designated March as “Music in Our Schools” month. This definitely has been observed in Galion City Schools as there have been several musical events happening both on and off campus.
Leading into the month, two choir students and one band student auditioned and were invited to participate in the District Honors Choir & Band. The festivities, held at Port Clinton High School, included 9 hours of rehearsal with guest conductors from the collegiate level followed by an impressive evening performance. This opportunity allowed these Galion students to perform alongside other Honors Choir and Band students and the District Honors Orchestra. They represented Galion with pride and passion.
The first week of March was full of musical performances by Middle School and High School bands and choirs. On March 6, 2024 the Galion High School Band showcased their talent to an audience of parents and community as preparation for the March 8-9 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 2 HS Large Group Adjudicated Event. This event, held at Oak Harbor High School and Fremont Ross High School marked a significant moment for Galion HS Band as they showcased their musical talent that earned a remarkable 1 Rating in Class C competition. Under the guidance of the band’s first year director, Theresa O’Deens, and the collective effort of each member, the band showcased their musical maturity and technical proficiency.
Twenty-four hours later, on March 7, the first choir concert in many years was held in the High School Cafetorium with stage lighting and a refreshed sound system for an audience of nearly 400 people. Cindy Strickler, in her first year as director, proudly debuted Galion’s new Show Choir. It was an exciting night for both Strickler and her students.
Strickler and the choir’s job is not done yet as they are now preparing for an upcoming concert on May 14th and they will be participating in an end-of-year choir festival that would be an adjudicated contest. In addition, Strickler is planning some fun incentives for her choir members and hoping to draw in new members to expand the program.
Rounding out the month and leading into Spring Break, the Galion High School Theater Department is set to perform the musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” High school cast members made appearances at the Middle School and elementary buildings this week to perform snippets of the show.
“Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at the Galion Community Theater on March 22 (7:00 p.m.), March 23 (7:00 p.m.), and March 24 (2:00 p.m.). Tickets are available for purchase at the door only. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5.
Source: Galion City Schools
