Riverview Junior Riley Russell Earns a Spot on the PMEA All-State Orchestra Festival!

Riley Russell reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Orchestra Festival on string bass!

Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area. Individually, students perform for a panel of judges. Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions. The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.

“We congratulate the student musicians that have been selected to be part of the 2023 PMEA All-State Festival,” commented PMEA President and music educator in the Octorara Area School District Scott Cullen. “Coming together for a unique performance experience like the PMEA All-State Festival is a top honor for student musicians in Pennsylvania. They represent all of the amazing music programs from across the commonwealth. What these students can do as an ensemble in a few short days and hours together is truly remarkable.”

This honor is one of many that Riley has achieved this year. Just a few weeks ago (Jan. 19th through 21st, 2023) Riley, a junior at Riverview, participated in PMEA Sr. High District Orchestra at South Fayette High School and Heinz Hall, where she placed in the top of her section. There, she qualified to participate at PMEA Region Orchestra, held at State College High School March 8th through 10th.  She also participated with other RHS Orchestra students at the Strings North Orchestra Festival, this year held at Shaler Area High School on March 15rd. In addition to being a member of the Riverview Select String Ensemble and section leader of the RHS Orchestra, Riley is a member of the Riverview Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands, and is a member of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra (TRYPO).

The student musicians who qualify will perform at the annual PMEA All-State Festival at the Kalahari Resort in The Poconos, Pennsylvania April 19-22, 2023. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance.

← BACK
Print This Article
View text-based website