Thirty-three Mount Vernon orchestra students performed in the national competition.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (May 2, 2018) – The Mount Vernon Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School orchestra recently participated in the 2018 Orlando Music Festival in Orlando, Fl. Thirty-three young instrumentalists helped secure the school’s first place title at the national competition.
“This is an outstanding achievement for our students,” said Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, Mount V
ernon City School District Superintendent. “The recognition that the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School has received reaffirms what we’ve always known to be true: Mount Vernon certainly has talent!”
After months of practice and preparation, the Mount Vernon Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School orchestra performed before nationally renowned judges in a state-of-the-art theatre. Following their performance, the students received positive, educational critiques from the panel of judges. At the conclusion of the festival, the students celebrated at an awards ceremony where they were recognized for their hard work.
“This is a tremendous achievement for both the Magnet School and our students,” said Evelyn Collins, Director of Arts and Gifted and Talented Education, and Director of the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School. “We so fortunate to be able to foster our students’ passion for the arts while nurturing their self-esteem, confidence and eagerness to learn.”
In 2018-2019, the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School enrollment will include 375 students in grades 6-10 from all Mount Vernon elementary, middle, high, private, Catholic and charter schools. The objective of the school is to provide an educational experience for children passionate about an art discipline. The program provides focused instruction in instrumental music, dance, theater, vocal music and visual arts, similar to that of a college conservatory. Admitted students complete intensive theoretical, historical and practical study in a specified art field, in addition to their general education requirements of New York State.
About the Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
Picture features orchestra students from the Mount Vernon Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School at the Orlando Musical Festival.
