Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy returned from the Indiana State School Music Association competition with 21 gold and 16 silver medals.
Dr. Cheryl L. Pruitt, Superintendent of Gary Community Schools, said Wirt-Emerson musicians continue to show what highly qualified teachers partnering with focused and determined students produce. “I appreciate contests like ISSMA that offer students the opportunity to showcase their talents. Ultimately not only are they sharpening their musical skills they are being empowered with life skills.”
Pruitt believes contests like ISSMA promotes 21st century life skills increasing leadership, self-confidence, communication skills, and more. “I’m proud of them and I applaud each student for their individual and collective successes. However, we know none of this would be possible without the support of our parents and Wirt-Emerson staff.”
At ISSMA, college professors evaluated students. ISSMA is an organization dedicated to providing educationally evaluated music performance activities for Indiana students and teachers. ISSMA also assists in the development of performance-oriented assessment of state and national musical academic standards.
Roveli Grib, Wirt-Emerson orchestra teacher, calls the ISSMA experience priceless. ISSMA provides an opportunity for the students to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.”
Brianna Nichols, a violinist, said she appreciates the competition. “I get to see how other school orchestras operate,” said Brianna. “You can take what other students do to either help you improve upon something or opt not to include it.” She said she enjoys music because different time periods have different types of music. “When I need to relax or focus, I turn to my music.”
Dr. Adrian Richie, Wirt-Emerson principal, said he wants his students to share their talent with the world. “We teach our students to dream big but if they’re going to dream, they’ve got to prepare and when they prepare, they are ready to perform and be judged. ISMMA helps students grow.”
WIRT EMERSON VPA HIGH ABILITY ACADEMY ISSMA RESULTS
GOLD MEDALISTS (Solo Category)
Andrea Mathews- Bass
Khari Tucker- Viola
Jamal Harmon- Viola
Asia Lee- Violin
GOLD MEDALISTS (Junior/Senior Large Ensemble Category)
Andrea Mathews, Rebekah Moore, Kierra Fuller, Nadav Neal, Brianna Nichols, Darius Quarles, Khari Tucker, Kevin Wilson, Jayda Smith, Aaron Reese, Kyra Quarles, Asia Lee, Armoni Howard, Trevon Hodge, Daryanna Battle, Maya Leon, Jamal Harmon
SILVER MEDALISTS (Solo Category)
Lenora Neal- Violin Solo
SILVER MEDALISTS (Large Ensemble Category)
Erica Howard, Jessica Hightower, Emmanuel Collins, Vicena Young, Angel Woods, Akeshia Staley, Ciayrra Reed, Lenora Neal, Quashaundra Jones, Paris Hightower, Jada Dixon, Kayla Curtis, Shawnae Cunningham, Aaron Reese, Dericq Freeman
