On Saturday, May 23, the Crestwood Middle School Eagles chorus and advanced handbell ensemble, under the direction of Veronica Johnson, participated at the Music USA Festival at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The chorus received a superior rating and first place in the Middle School Concert Choir category, having sung “Kommt, Seelen, Dieser Tag,” by J.S. Bach, which featured Devin Embrich and Jesse Montillo singing together. They both received awards for Outstanding Duet. The chorus also sang “Morning Song/Cherokee Amazing Grace,” often referred to as the Cherokee National Anthem, arranged by James Green.
The handbells group received a superior rating and first place in the Middle School Handbell Choir category and earned the Middle School Grand Champion Award for Instrumental Music, having earning the highest score given in 10 years. They played “Stairway to Heaven” by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, and “Little Fugue in G Minor,” by J.S. Bach.
On Friday, May 15, Crestwood’s honors handbells ensemble performed at the Spotlight on Young Musicians event at the Kravis Center. Having practiced in class for weeks and as a full group on Saturdays, the ensemble showcased their music, joined by students from Highland Elementary School, Wellington Landings Middle School, and several former Crestwood and Palm Springs students who are now in high school.
ABOVE: The chorus and handbells group with their trophies.
