Adjudication

Students+at+Adjudication+pose+for+a+picture+outside+of+the+Church+after+the+Choir+Performances.+Photo+Courtesy+of+Janice+Kellerman

Students at Adjudication pose for a picture outside of the Church after the Choir Performances. Photo Courtesy of Janice Kellerman

Jessie Kellerman, Staff Writer

There are several exciting things about being a part of the music program at State High but one of the most important events occurs at the end of April — adjudication. Every year, the music department plans a field trip to popular locations in and around Pennsylvania for every kid in the music program. 

 Near the end of each year, the music teachers get together and plan where they want to go. Every other year the trips planned are more extravagant, with the one following it usually being a single-day trip to a nearby amusement park. Mary Lambert, a senior music student, commented on her own take on the trip this year. “Adjudication was awesome this year! It was my first multi-day adjudication trip since the last few years have been weird with COVID. Traveling to DC was definitely a lot more exciting than previous trips but adjudication is always a lot of fun.”

 This year the music teachers planned a three-day trip in and around Washington D.C. allowing everyone to take in the scenery and see some of the most famous parts of the US. “My group took an unplanned detour to the old post office on our way to the Natural History Museum, where we rode up the elevator through the fancy hotel that’s in the post office now,” Lambert commented. “It was a neat little attraction off the beaten path, and it was really beautiful to get to spend time taking it all in with some of my closest friends, away from the craziness of the main museums.” 

As fun as the trips are, the whole point of Adjudication is not just to have fun. All of the different music groups at State High have a chance to perform and compete against other ensembles. This year, State High had the luxury of winning several awards: Master Singers, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Band all placed first. Beating their competitors. Anna Razzano, a junior music student, shared her favorite moment on the trip. “One big takeaway from contributing [to] adjudication for me personally was the sense of school spirit and unity I experienced on this trip. I had a blast witnessing the other ensembles perform, especially Adv. Rock Ensemble, and had an even greater time celebrating all of State High’s wins at the dance.” 

There have already been plans made for the coordination of next year’s trip, with plans to either go back to Hershey again or a trip to Knoebels. Allison Cole, a sophomore in Band, shared her excitement for next year. “Last year I went to the Hershey adjudication, which was fun, but it was only one day. I liked traveling to Washington DC a lot more.” 

The music program is always in need of more music students. With so many seniors leaving this year, there will be a lot of space for those who are interested in joining. The only requirements for joining the music program are knowing how to play an instrument or having an interest in singing. Anyone who has an interest in music has the chance to be part of the most memorable and well-known part of State High.