Instrumental groups garner awards, Darlington named Best Overall

Darlington’s Upper School instrumental groups swept the Music in the Parks Festival at Douglas County High School in Atlanta on April 10. Darlington, which earned the Esprit De Corps Award for Best Overall School, competed against A-AAAA schools from Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

 

“The adjudicators were really impressed with the sound and musicianship from such small ensembles,” said Will Camp, director of instrumental music. “We were by far the smallest school, but we cleaned house.”

 

In addition to the overall program award, Darlington’s Orchestra was rated Superior (first place) and was also recognized as the Best Overall Orchestra regardless of division classification. The Jazz Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble were also rated Superior. The Wind Ensemble was rated Excellent (second place).

 

“Our students are so talented and work so hard all year long, so it was great to see them succeed at our spring competition,” Camp said. “The Wind Ensemble was especially successful considering that this group is made up mostly of freshmen. If we can keep these students involved, next year I anticipate they will turn heads as the Orchestra did this year.”

 

Freshman O’Keefe Johnson said she really enjoyed the experience. “I had a great time at the competition and loved meeting new people,” she said. “But most importantly, I was able to work hard to be the best at what I love and share it with the world. Knowing that everyone else there loved it too inspires me to keep going and never stop doing what makes me and a lot of other people happy and motivated.”