Pelham Memorial School band receives four ‘A’ ratings at state festival

PELHAM – The Pelham Memorial School seventh- and eighth-grade concert band recently participated in the New Hampshire Large Group Music Festival sponsored by the New Hampshire Music Educators Association on March 16 at Campbell High School in Litchfield. Several middle school choruses and bands from all over New Hampshire participated in the adjudicated event. The Pelham band has more than 45 students and is directed by Paul A. Santerre. It performed three pieces: “The Pioneers” by Robert Sheldon, “Rain” by Brian Balmages and “Kentucky 1800,” arranged by Clare Grundman. The band earned a grade of “A” from each of the four adjudicators. The group received a plaque for its “A” rating and a certificate of participation. The festival provides an opportunity for large musical ensembles to perform and receive a rating and comments from three adjudicators.