There are many student musicians in the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) holds music festivals for these musicians to attend. PMEA festivals are an audition only experience, meaning a student must make an audition to advance to further festivals. As the stage lights flick on, the musicians create an experience to remember. 

However, PMEA festivals aren’t just about making music. 

“Some of my favorite moments have come from riding on the bus or in the hotels where I got to relax and mess around with my friends,” senior flutist Gracelynn Beldin said. “Now that I know more people I think festivals are fun because I can go talk to the other people from other schools that I’ve made friends with.” 

In between rehearsals, students have time to socialize with their peers.

“One of my favorite festival moments would probably be each time we eat,” junior percussionist Issac Hillard said. “It’s very fun to hang out with friends.”

These festivals have guest conductors that are brought in to direct the ensembles. 

“Festivals can vary based on your guest conductor,” Beldin said. “If you get a guest conductor that you don’t like or who is not the greatest, the festival is not as good as it could be.” 

Some conductors have their ensembles complete activities.

“Last year’s PMEA orchestra had a very fun guest conductor.” junior harpist Jacob Matosziuk said. “She had us do all these activities and she really connected us with the orchestra.” 

At PMEA festivals students are able to connect with students from other schools.

“It’s great to work with the directors as well as get to know some kids who have like minds with music,” Hillard said.

At the end of the festivals the attendees hold a concert to display what they have learned over the course of the festival.

“My favorite song that I played in a festival was called Appalachian Spring, we played it at Region orchestra two years ago.” senior bassist Andrew Sackett said. “It’s a very long but beautiful piece.” 

 On certain occasions, students even get to rewrite parts for their instruments.

“I had to talk with the conductor about the harp part I was assigned to play because the tempo made it very difficult and he told me to do what I think sounds best,” Matosziuk said. “I ended up rewriting the part and performing it.” 

While solos are featured at most festivals, they are featured heavily at the Jazz Festivals.

“I really enjoyed some drum solos I’ve taken in PMEA District Jazz festivals.” Hillard said.

At these festivals students audition for chair placements to determine what parts they will play.

“Last year I placed first chair cornet/trumpet one in the All-State Wind Ensemble.” senior vocalist Owen Carmel said. “I’m most proud of my ability to keep my focus on making music. I learned after my sophomore year that whenever I make it about competing, I don’t do as well or enjoy it as much.” 

Students can audition for every festival that is offered for their instrument type. 

“I’ve been to 15 total festivals, seven District festivals, five Regional festivals, two State festivals and one All-East festival.” Beldin said. “My most impressive feat was that I kept trying. After making regionals my sophomore year I could have stopped and said I already made it because I did something impressive. But I think the fact that I kept trying, knowing that I might not make States, but deciding to do it anyway. The most impressive thing I’ve done is not give up.” 

The annual PMEA festivals bring students opportunities to learn, make new friends and pull off impressive feats for them to remember.