Fox Chapel Schools celebrate student musical achievements at annual honors ceremony

The Fox Chapel Area School Board held a combined agenda study session and regular business meeting on May 5, 2025, where the highlight was a celebration of student achievements in music. Music department leaders, including high school music teachers Daryl Lesnick and Ben Murray, along with Dorseyville Middle School band director Evan Hertrick, recognized numerous students for their outstanding musical accomplishments.

During the meeting, Lesnick expressed his enthusiasm for the annual recognition event, which marks the end of the school year. He highlighted the success of the Kaleidoscope Concert, an event showcasing various music ensembles, and emphasized the hard work students put into preparing for auditions. Students participated in blind auditions judged by a panel of band directors, receiving scores based on rhythm, pitch, technique, and tone.

The meeting featured a lengthy list of students who excelled in various music honors groups, including the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 honors band and orchestra. Notable students recognized included Elliott Broyles on trombone, Nadre Digbo on clarinet, and Marina Dunham on bassoon, among others. The PMEA also hosts district, region, and all-state festivals, with students advancing through auditions to compete at higher levels.

Lesnick noted the impressive achievement of sending six students to the All-State Band and Orchestra, a significant milestone for the school district. The students recognized for this honor included Broyles, Dunham, and Michael Costello on bass, with Dunham achieving this honor for the third consecutive year.

The meeting concluded with applause for the students, underscoring the community's support for the music program and the dedication of both students and their families in fostering musical talent. The recognition of these achievements not only celebrates individual success but also highlights the strength of the music education program within the Fox Chapel Area School District.