By Erica Xie
PHHS Treblemakers were invited to perform at the CASMEC (California All-State Music Educators Convention/Conference) on Feb. 17 at the San Jose Convention Center.
The Treblemakers were the only high school vocal jazz ensemble from California, and the first ever from our district, to perform alongside the Mira Costa College Women’s’ Vocal Jazz, Frequency, and a professional a cappella group, the SanFran6.
“It was an honor to have performed for an event of such importance when it comes to the music departments in California because it’s the very best of the best,” reveals Treblemaker Catherine Tran.
The ensemble performed “Moondance,” “The Jody Grind,” “Virtual Insanity,” “Voice Dance” and “Waters of March.”
The team was selected through an audition process in which music teacher Myles Ellis submitted recordings of the past two years’ performances, the past few year’s concert programs, and the songs they would perform if selected. The CASMEC committee then picked out the best out of hundreds of schools.
“[The CASMEC] was very positive and it was a huge honor for the students. I kept impressing upon them how rare and uncommon it is to be able to perform here. Teachers try year after year, and we were fortunate enough to be the vocal jazz representative of all the high schools in California,” explains Mr. Ellis.
The audience consisted of PHHS and ESUHSD staff, including Principal Traci Williams and Coordinator of Student Services Juanita Linton, students who auditioned for the All-State Choir and music educators.
“It was nerve wracking because the California All-State Jazz Choir, fellow performers who are professionals and several other choirs were in the audience judging us,” comments member Lilly Liu.
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