School Wins Honors in Music Festival

Lindero Canyon Middle School music students did the unexpected by bringing home gold and bronze medals from last weekend’s Heritage Festivals Spring Program in San Diego, besting students years older.

The students in the string orchestra, choir, concert band and jazz band were the only middle school group to compete Saturday, going up against students from seven high schools in California, New Mexico and Texas.

But Lindero’s music directors said they were less concerned with winning than making sure the students had a good time.

“Our best competition is ourselves,” said Gregory Fried, director of the string orchestra and choir. “I tell them that trophies mean nothing to me. What means something to me is how they perform, that they feel good about their performances.”

According to concert and jazz band director Matt McKagan, the choir received a bronze medal, and the string orchestra, concert and jazz bands each earned a gold medal for their performances.

The jazz band also earned the festival’s highest score for an instrumental group, and the two bands and orchestra collectively won a trophy for the highest score by an instrumental program.

Festival organizers also recognized the school for having the highest average score for its total music program, McKagan said.

“The kids are focused, and take this very seriously,” he said. “The families, the school district and the administration are very supportive. Without that combination, I don’t think we’d be able to do this.”

The student groups will perform separate concerts in other competitions before the year of the school year, and will come together again for three evenings of concerts beginning May 27 at the school, 5344 Larboard Lane.