Gardner Elementary School band wins gold medal at music festival: what the judges said

Stephen Landry, The Gardner News

The Gardner Elementary School 4th Grade Band was recently awarded a gold medal at the Great East Music Festival at Six Flags New England in Agawam.

On Friday, May 17, the band was awarded the medal along with a platinum rating for Overall Effectiveness at the festival, which is aimed at providing a high quality, engaging and memorable scholastic festival experience at schools across New England.

“The adjudicator commended the band on their professionalism, their behavior, and their performance,” said Band Teacher Michelle Heffner.

Superintendent of Gardner Public Schools Mark Pellegrino congratulated the band members on their excellent performance.

Pictured with the Gardner Elementary School 4th Grade Band, from left, School Committee member Bob Swartz, State Representative Jon Zlotnik, Band Director Michelle Heffner, Mayor Michael Nicholson and City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas.
Pictured with the Gardner Elementary School 4th Grade Band, from left, School Committee member Bob Swartz, State Representative Jon Zlotnik, Band Director Michelle Heffner, Mayor Michael Nicholson and City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas.

“I am thrilled that our youngest learners have access to such a remarkable program,” he said. “Learning to play an instrument helps foster an appreciation of music that will last a lifetime. Being rewarded with a gold medal for their hard work is the icing on the cake.”

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This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Gardner Elementary School Band wins gold at Great East Music Festival

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