Norwin students performed on April 18-20 at the annual PMEA All-State Festival in Erie, PA. Senior Jenna Greenawalt performed with the All-State Concert Band playing the French horn, senior Landon Bacon with the All-State Orchestra playing trumpet, and sophomore Sienna DeJesus with the All-State Choir as a vocalist.
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a Pennsylvanian nonprofit organization that promotes musical development of youth from preschool to college level. With over 3,700 members, PMEA makes change in supporting advanced music education.
Getting to perform with PMEA is a huge accomplishment for these Norwin students. They were able to gain experience, work with others, and learn about music and performance.
“[My favorite part was] definitely getting to perform at Warner Theatre,” Landon Bacon said. “It’s the most beautiful place to perform, and with such a magnificent sound. Getting to make music in that orchestra in one of the best theaters in Pennsylvania was my favorite part.”
Students were selected through a series of auditions where they showcased their talent and hard work. Having to advance multiple times, students proved their prowess and were handpicked by PMEA.
Greenawalt was chosen through a long process of auditions. Dating back to October 2023, she auditioned for honors band and district band, successfully making it to the PMEA District 1 honors band and District 1 East band. At district band in January, Greenawalt auditioned for region band, where they chose 6 out of 16 French horns to move on. She then auditioned successfully from regional band to the All-State level.
“I am eternally grateful for every opportunity I have had to perform with this organization,” Jenna Greenawalt said. “I started performing in PMEA festivals in orchestra way back in sixth grade. If sixth grade me saw that she made it to the State level for band, I just know she would be in awe and she would be so proud.”
For the seniors, Greenawalt and Bacon, this was their last time performing with the PMEA ensembles. But this does not mean they are done performing, as they are planning to continue with music in their life. Bacon plans to audition for PCMEA next year, and Greenawalt plans to continue with music throughout her life.
