Students at the high school are diligently preparing for the annual Northern Regional Music Festival auditions, which are being held on November 2 at Avon High School. During the audition, musicians are judged on their ability to read a collegiate solo piece, as well as their ability to sight read a high-level piece given to each musician at random.

K-12 Music Department Leader Leslie Imse works thoroughly with her students to help with the challenges that come with a college-level composition and the sight reading, which play hand-in-hand.

“These are two difficult things for students and they’re on demand. You’re a soloist and then somebody puts the sight reading before you and you’ve never seen it before and you have to read the music,” Imse said.

Students at the high school have been participating in the Regional Music Festival for over 40 years, but auditioning did not become a mandatory requirement of the music curriculum until just a few years ago. With schools from all across Connecticut auditioning for their part in the Regional band, the competition and pressure causes obstacles for some young musicians.

“We’re trying to teach our students a certain level of artistry on their instrument so that could indeed perform a solo by themselves on any type. These things are difficult because most of our students are in large ensembles so we spend a lot of extra time with our students preparing them as individuals or as sections,” Imse said.

Junior Mercy Adekola has been participating Northern Regional Music Festival for three years and is now preparing for her fourth year of auditions.

“I am continuously practicing my piece in my free time, making sure to focus not just on my notes and rhythms but also dynamics and articulations,” Adekola said

The school’s Wind Ensemble, which is the highest level of band ensemble, are required to audition for Regionals.This year, the band department is led by Jeffrey Ventres, who is new to the Music Department this year. Ventres had been teaching ensembles and marching band in Portland and Montville before transferring to Farmington.

“Going forward, I hope to work more on chamber playing and increasing the focus on student leadership, problem solving and metacognitive processing. We are also focusing on building a community in each ensemble that provides a safe, supportive environment for each out our members,” Ventres said

Ventres plans on taking a step back to teach the students how to become their own leaders in the classroom. With the students learning how to take charge in the classroom and becoming more independent, it allows them to gain important skills which will be beneficial as their time as a student, and even after they graduate.

If you have any questions regarding the Northern Regional Music Festival, or if you are interested in music opportunities, please contact [email protected].