It was quite a weekend for the Bellefontaine High School Music Department.

BHS hosted the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 11 Adjudicated Event for band and choir on Friday and Saturday.

The district contest featured schools from multiple counties.

The Bellefontaine High School Symphonic Choir received a Superior rating.

The BHS Symphonic Band earned an Excellent rating.

The BHS Concert Band received a Good rating.

Bands and choirs are scored by the OMEA rating system.

In order to qualify for the state level contest, a band or choir must receive a Superior rating.

The songs performed by the BHS Symphonic Choir included Ad Astra written by Jacob Narverud, Aqui Te Amo written by Bruce Tippette, and Dies Irae arranged by Ruth Morris Gray.

Songs performed by the BHS Symphonic Band included Amparito Roca Concert March arranged by Gary Fagan, Declaration Overture written by C.T. Smith, and Prairie Dances written by David Holsinger.

The BHS Concert Band performed Torch of Liberty arranged by James Swearingen, Voltage written by David Shaffer, and The Light of Dawn written by James Swearingen.

The Symphonic Choir will perform at the OMEA State Contest at Tipp City in late April.

The BHS Symphonic Choir is under the direction of Brice Henry and both BHS bands are directed by Jeremy Karg.

Henry said, “These kids worked really hard and put on their best performance of the year so far this past weekend!”

The BHS Symphonic Choir, BHS Symphonic Band, and BHS Concert Band also hosted a preview concert last Tuesday night.

Finally, the Bellefontaine High School Orchestra earned a Superior rating at State last month.

Laura Mitchell is the BHS orchestra director.

Photos: The BHS Symphonic Choir