CGS Band earns 1st Place rating at IGSMA Contest
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Chester Grade School band traveled to Marion, Illinois Friday, March 26 for the 2010 Illinois Grade School Music Association Southern Division Organizational Contest. The band performed three songs for a group of three judges and earned an overall 1st place rating.
The CGS Band is directed by Sue Colonel who prepared the group well prior to the trip to Marion, and it was quite apparent as the Jr. Jackets Band dazzled the judges and brought home the 1st place rating.
The three selections performed at the contest included "Pivot Man March" by Larry Clark; "Kingdom Hearts Theme" by Michael Story and "Legend of the Eagles", by David Shaffer. All three were thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
Judges were adjudicating the band in regards to eight specific areas: Tone which includes beauty, blend and control; Intonation both within and between sections; Technique which refers to precision, fluency and articulation; Rhythm Accuracy; Dynamics; Balance; Interpretation or musical effect, phrasing, style and tempo and General Effect such as stage presence and artistry.
Of the three judges, Judge 1 rated CGS as having performed at a 1st Superior rating which is the very highest a band can be rated. The other two judges rated CGS as 1st Place which is a very good rating.
Some of the specific comments made by the trio of judges include "Really well done"; "Thanks for listening"; Great job"; Very nicely done"; "Excellent attention"; "Really nice technical work"; "Good amount of attention to dynamics"; "Overall tone quality sounded very mature and well taught"; "This band is playing very musically. This shows great preparation" and "This band is capable of earning an I Superior rating".
Mrs. Colonel was extremely proud of her band for their performance and overall 1st place rating. She strongly encourages teachers, parents, relatives and the community in general to attend the 2010 Chester Grade School Spring Concert in the CGS Gym Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. when all of the contest music will be performed.