Nine students from Dixon School of Arts & Sciences recently earned top honors at the acclaimed “Music in the Parks†music festival held in Atlanta, Georgia on May 7. The Dixon Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of musician and teacher Quintarries Upshaw and classical pianist Alan Long, took first place as well as a “Superior†rating.
Dixon students Alex Saldivar, Nashawn Hosea, Alicia Lee, Aaliyah Lee, Ka’Mora McNeal, Devin Tolentino, Elijah Autrey, Laila Long and Elijah Proctor-White had only been introduced to the guitar in February of this year, and were competition-ready in just four months, according to Dixon executive director Donna Curry.
“These exceptional students had never even played the guitar before,†said Curry. “They remind us there are no limits to what our young scholars can achieve.â€
Music In The Parks is an educationally-focused music festival founded by Dr. James Wells in 1981 that provides school performing ensembles the opportunity to learn from exceptional conductors in the field of music education today. Its mission is to bring together student musicians and adjudicator-clinicians for performances with the result being musical growth, achievement and recognition for both the individuals and the participating music programs.
“Music in the Parks†events take place over multiple weekends in the spring in cities across the United States. The event is culminated by a celebratory awards ceremony where all participants are honored for their commitment to quality in music education.