On Friday, Feb 21st, Oak Hill Middle School welcomed Vincent Rossi, Director of Bands at Stevenson Middle School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, for a special Large Group Performance Ensemble Clinic. Rossi, a seasoned adjudicator and instructor, worked with students to fine-tune their musical skills ahead of the upcoming Large Group Performance Evaluation.
“It is so important to bring someone from the outside, someone who has no dog in the fight,” Rossi said. “They’re in it together for the good of every student.”
Throughout the day, Rossi led sessions with various grade levels, including a group of enthusiastic sixth graders who are just beginning their musical journey. He praised their dedication and the hard work of their teachers, calling it “remarkable” that they are preparing to perform for judges at such an early stage. “They need a lot of work, yes, but their desire and their skill is there, and they can do it,” he said. The clinic reinforced what students have been learning while also introducing fresh techniques and strategies to help them grow.
Rossi was highly impressed by the passion and energy of the Baldwin County School District’s fine arts programs. “I was telling the directors, I'm so impressed with so many wonderful, happy, energetic sixth graders,” he shared. “You turn that energy into musical skill, and you have a monster machine.” His visit was a powerful reminder of the impact of strong music education, and with the Large Group Performance Evaluation approaching, Oak Hill students are well on their way to success.
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