“More than 130 students from 10 schools participated in the Sixth Annual CAIS Southern Section Honor Music Festival held at Viewpoint. They all had a wonderful time, while learning from three outstanding conductors and performing with other marvelous student musicians,” said Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter, Chair of Viewpoint’s Music Department and the event organizer.

Viewpoint recently hosted the Sixth Annual CAIS Southern Section Honor Music Festival in the Carlson Family Theater. Students from Archer School for Girls, The Buckley School, Campbell Hall, Flintridge Prep, Harvard-Westlake School, La Jolla Country Day School, Marymount High School, Oakwood, and St. Margaret’s Episcopal joined with Viewpoint’s students to perform music from Bach and Bartok to Harry Belafonte.

The Band, Orchestra, and Chorus consisted of Eighth through Twelfth Graders from each of the participating schools. Leading the student musicians were award-winning guest conductors Dr. Jayne E. Campbell of Glendale Community College, Dr. Richard Kravchak, Professor of Music at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and Ms. Elizabeth Wright, a professional cellist and Assistant Conductor for the Harmony Project Youth Orchestra.

“The highlight of the Festival for me was the band portion,” said Viewpoint music teacher Mr. Roger Fletcher. “Skilled and dedicated students from each school had the opportunity to make music in a larger band composed of others who share their commitment to musical excellence under a remarkable guest conductor, Dr. Richard Kravchak. He was musically inspiring, technically informative, and personally engaging, drawing on his rare mix of world-class musical expertise and experience to motivate the student musicians.”

While reflecting on the event, Dr. Herkstroeter said, “One aspect of this Festival that is particularly exciting for me is seeing the same students participate over a number of years. The students’ musical growth from year-to-year is incredible, and this helps the Festival get better year after year. We are already looking forward to 2011.”