WorldStrides Festival at Washington, D.C. 2019

Over the first weekend in April the Pascack Hills Music Department Chamber Choir and modified Concert Band traveled to Washington, D.C. to tour and perform in our Nation’s Capital. Both groups received a private clinic with Washington University faculty on Friday morning. Each group got to work with an instructor who presented new ideas on musicality and technique for the ensembles. This time was extremely valuable for the groups to have another perspective on their performances and to hear from College level professors.

On Saturday, each group had the opportunity to perform before the judges for adjudication and get feedback on their program. Set in the beautiful National City Christian Church in downtown D.C. and for the second year in a row, Margarita Elkin led the Chamber choir to another Gold First Place rating and an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2020-2021. Later that afternoon the modified concert band, made up of those students who signed up for the trip, performed in Rock City High School in suburban VA and Ryan Dore led the group to a Silver Rating Second place performance.
Congratulations to Christina Priestner for receiving the Outstanding Choir Soloist award. Christina was selected as best overall from all of the participating groups that weekend!

Along with the performances, the group enjoyed touring the National Mall, seeing the museums, and the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. It was a trip to remember for all!
Below are a few more photos...




