by David Ryder
The large number of talented students in performing arts programs were put under pressure this March, as they participated in Musical Performance Assessment (MPA). It is a practical test known as the FCAT for music.
Some students saw the glass half full, and seized the chance to enjoy themselves instead of giving in to the pressure. “Basically, I didn’t really think about it, I just went up and had some fun,” said freshman Chase Brown.
Members of the school’s chorus participated in this rigorous task, designed to find out whether or not students are improving and showing skills relevant to their respective fields.
The students are graded in five levels: poor, fair, good, excellent and superior. Although not everyone is obliged to participate, all students in the TCHS music programs did. Of the 6 groups of students, 5 scored a superior and 1 group scored excellent.
“I feel our students went in very prepared, they worked very hard. They really did awesome,” said chorus teacher Holly Cook.
This 2013 event was hosted at Timber Creek, which required even more work. According to Cook, the school proved to be great hosts because it was “a group effort.”
With this event in the bag, students will advance to a state assessment, since these were only district tests.