Flint, MI — The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) recently announced students from its Mott Middle College Steel Band won the Michigan School Board and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Outstanding Small Ensemble Competition.
The band earned an invite to Western Michigan University’s Dalton Recital Hall to perform at MSBOA’s Spring Honors Showcase Concert on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m.
“I’m thrilled that the students have been selected to perform,” said James Coviak, Music Teacher and Band Director. “It’s amazing to see what our students have accomplished in less than three years of playing. I’m fortunate to have this group of young people, working with them has been an inspiration.”
The band earned the invitation by receiving Division 1 ratings of an A+ in every category at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival in Imlay City, MI. The band then performed at the State Solo and Ensemble in Midland, MI, earning Division 1 ratings. After the band’s performances at the State Competition, the band performed at the prestigious Spring Honors Showcase Concert.
The Outstanding Ensembles and Jazz Combos, which will be featured at the Spring Honors Showcase Concert, were selected by listening panel blind auditions of student recordings. From nearly 60 ensembles and jazz combos that submitted recordings, Mott Middle College High School was one of the seven ensembles selected.
The Mott Middle College Steel Band was also recognized in 2023 as one of the Outstanding Percussion Ensembles in the nation and traveled to the Music For All National Festival in Indianapolis, IN, to perform at the showcase concert.
Learn more about the Mott Middle College program here.