The HF-L High School Concert Band, under the direction of Andrew Vetter, placed second with a “Superior” rating at the Virginia Beach competition. Photo by Andrew Vetter
BY DONNA MACKENZIE
For 13 straight years, Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District has been recognized with a Best Communities for Music Education Award by The NAMM Foundation. HF-L students provide proof of that by being selected for
Area All-State and All County honors and with high praise and ratings at the Monroe County Solo Festivals and also by earning top honors at the Festival of Music in Virginia Beach.
HF-L received a Best Communities for Music Education Award again in 2024, being notified about the honor on April 10.
On April 17, 82 HF-L High School band students plus six chaperones and band directors Andrew Vetter (Concert Band) and Dr. Ken Kreuzer (Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble) headed to the Festival of Music in Virginia Beach. The competition took place at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the campus of Norfolk State University.
The Concert Band, the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Ensemble all received “Superior” ratings (scores of 90 and above). The Jazz Ensemble took first place in its category. The Concert Band and Wind Ensemble took second place in their categories, edged out of first place by slim point differences.
The HF-L High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Ken Kreuzer placed second and earned a “Superior” rating at the Virginia Beach competition. Photo by Andrew Vetter
In addition to recognition for the bands as a whole, HF-L also had one student receive an award. Jackson Carmichiel was presented with the Outstanding Soloist Award (guitar in the Jazz Ensemble) for the festival.
The students also got to enjoy some fun at a local park.
“The weather was great, the park was fun and the students were the best ambassadors for all that is HF-L,” Vetter said.
