Written by Madeleine Blomkvist
The East Ridge Symphony Orchestra had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at MMEA, or the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter clinic at the Minneapolis convention center. Mrs. Demorrett states, “Each Febuary they put on a mid-winter clinic, that's basically the state’s music teacher’s convention and different ensembles turn in applications the previous spring to play and perform at MMEA.” she also states, “It is a pretty big honor to be chosen by MMEA, you know they only can pick a couple of orchestras every year, and there is a representation of different sizes of schools and different programs from around the state.
The Orchestra performed many pieces, including popular “Waltz No.2” by Dmitiri Shostakovich (1906-1975), but they played a longer piece entitled, “Symphony No.1” By Florence Price. Mrs. Demorret elaborates, “Florence Price was the first African-American female composer to have her music performed by a major United States symphony orchestra, and it was premiered in Chicago I believe it was 1933 it was premiered at the Chicago world’s fair and her music was very influential in terms of getting composers of color into composition and having their works performed.” Mrs.Demorett also states that students enjoyed learning about Price, as well as the music, “String players had an assignment where they needed to read about her and answer some questions and one of the questions was about how learning about her life and her life's circumstances change how you would perform this music and it was really touching to read some of their responses.” Florence Price was born on April 9th, 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas and passed away on June 3rd, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, but her legacy still lives on through her amazing music.
Students also loved performing at MMEA. Evan Hoover, a violin student states, “MMEA was fun and educational and I really enjoyed hearing other groups perform'' Emily Fox, first chair flutist states, “MMEA was such an amazing experience as I was able to go around and talk to music schools about how to continue after college and listen to such talented players. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life for not only the opportunities that I was able to have with meeting with all those schools and businesses, but also through the people that made the amazing music with me”
Overall, MMEA was a very special opportunity for East Ridge High School students, and they are very grateful for having the opportunity and gaining the experience of performing at an event such as this.
You can read the Woodbury Magazine article here: East Ridge Orchestra Set To Take the Big Stage This February - Woodbury Magazine
