Katie Potenzone
On April 10th, the Hopkinton High School string ensemble was awarded a bronze medal for their performance at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) festival. Every year Hopkinton High is a host for the statewide MICCA music festival, allowing many schools a safe place for constructive criticism and friendly competition.

Helen Morin, the string ensemble conductor for all grades in Hopkinton, said “[MICCA] reinforced a lot of work we have been doing in class. “ Ms. Morin went on to characterize MICCA as “A good performing experience.” Most importantly, Ms. Morin stressed that the festival “Makes the (high school) ensemble aware of the other orchestras that are out there.”

An audience member, who joined the ensemble at their workshop following the performance where a judge made his comments remarked, “The ensemble has grown so much since my daughter has started playing the violin; they are playing more challenging pieces.”

HHS junior and member of the ensemble, Amanda Horan said, “MICCA is a valuable experience for performance that enhances our musical career.” The MICCA adjudicators offer many comments that allow the ensemble to grow as a whole each year.

The string ensemble has been working to establish more each year since the class of 2010 started the program. Winning a bronze medal from MICCA is a significant accomplishment for the developing ensemble, because there are a variety of different levels from beginning to advanced players.