From March 31st to April 2nd, the Massachusetts Instrumental Choral & Conductors Association hosted the MICCA Concert Festival. This event, which “encourages the improvement of an ensemble's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators,” is the pinnacle of the work that the NHS music program dedicates all year to. The performance has been described as rewarding, community-building, and educational by many involved.
MICCA awards each group the distinction of gold, silver, bronze, medal of merit, or festival participation award after their performance. This year, chorus, chorale, and chamber orchestra received gold. Symphonic and concert band both received silver.
Sophomore and member of the NHS Symphonic Band Julia Rowe states, “I was disappointed that we didn’t get gold, but I like MICCA because I think it’s a fun way to spend time with friends in the music community and it’s cool to hear what music other schools are doing. I also like having the clinic with one of the adjudicators because it’s nice getting a different perspective on the music. The food is also always really good, which is a bonus!”
Hazel Barzilay, a junior in Chorale, explains that “The preparation process included a lot of X Block rehearsals and skipping class to go to full chorus rehearsals in the auditorium…MICCA itself was super fun.”
It is clear that all of the music groups at Needham High put months of work into this performance, and the dedication is extremely impressive. Congratulations to all who participated!