Eastern Region Middle School Festival

These virtual master classes are open to any student who completed an audition for the middle school region festival. The Region Director will email the links to these virtual sessions to participating directors to share with their students.

Payment to CMEA is $5 per student, one school issued check or purchase order.

“Pathways to Performance,  My Journey as a Professional Musician” – Chris Howard, professional clarinetist in the United States Coast Guard Band.

Chris Howard will discuss his path and how varied the life of a professional musician can be. He will talk about music school, jobs I’ve had, how he prepared for auditions and audition life, what goes into getting (and keeping) jobs, share pictures and videos, and wrap up with a Q and A.

The ERMS virtual orchestra festival will be a fun play-along workshop with multi-style cellist Mike Block!  After auditions, students will receive a couple of short solo pieces to learn for the virtual festival, transposed for all instruments to play in unison. During our virtual festival, students will learn how to use stylistic ornamentation in Baroque pieces, add creativity to their performances through arranging and improvising, and gain experience playing in multiple styles. Our guest artist, Mike Block is and active recording artist, composer, entrepreneur, and music educator based in Boston. Here is just one of his recent projects: Bach Prelude 1, Reimagined (you can also see many more on his website)

Noah Fields will be hosting a virtual activity where he will guide students though critical listening activities to develop students’ skills to look deeper into the music we listen to and perform. We will discuss the difference between hearing and listening. Music is often used to convey emotion, but how is it that composers are able to evoke specific emotions though the music they create? Join us for a deeper look into the music we listen to and perform.

Jazz students will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with jazz pianist and composer Noah Baerman.  The workshop will focus on soloing techniques and will include a short performance by Mr. Baerman.