Warwick School District

WHS Band Student Kerri Hahn Qualifies for All-Eastern Honor Ensemble

Warwick High School band student Kerri Hahn has recently qualified to the National Association for Music Education 2021 All-Eastern Honor Ensembles.  

719 high school musicians throughout the north east were selected from 1150 All-state applicants and ranked by their state presidents to make up five ensembles —  Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Mixed Chorus, Treble Chorus and Jazz Ensemble. Kerri was accepted into the Symphonic Band ensemble.  A “Virtual Weekend” experience will take place March 4th-6th that will include keynote speakers, masterclasses with professional musicians, rehearsals with their conductors, opportunities to learn and network with colleges and universities, while taking part in mock auditions.  

Under normal circumstances, and in previous years, rehearsals and concerts take place at an in-person event. This year will look very different, with students having to record their performances individually from home led by a virtual performance by their conductor.  Each recording will then be pieced together to produce a virtual ensemble performance. The concert will premiere on April 23rd, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. during the 57th NAfME Eastern Division Virtual In-Service Conference.  


Conductors for this year’s program are: 
• Band: Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner from the University of Georgia 
• Orchestra: Dr. James Tapia, Syracuse University 
• Mixed Chorus: Dr. Cory Ganschow, Bradley University 
• Treble Chorus: Dr. Amanda Quist, University of Miami 
• Jazz Ensemble: Terell Stafford, Temple University 

“For the audition portion, it required a lot of rehearsing and many different takes,” stated Kerri a junior at Warwick High School. “I spent a lot of time recording, and choosing from my best takes.”  Part of the audition process included a written and performance portion. Kerri submitted a written essay that showcased her music portfolio, the organizations she’s a part of at school along with any volunteer work she participates in. “It’s been nice to have something to work towards, and it’s all about preparing for these virtual auditions right now, and expanding your repertoire.  Obviously, it’s not as fun as being in person and meeting people that share your passion, and getting to make the connections with other students, but I’m very excited about this opportunity” says Hahn.  


Last year Hahn was named to the All-State Wind Ensemble, and was also part of the group of WHS students selected for the 2021 District 7 band.  


"I’m really proud of Kerri for representing our school and community so well at these honor festivals. Being able to perform at such a high level as a high school musician speaks volumes about her work ethic and practice regiment," stated Mr. Matt Tenaglia, band teacher at Warwick High School. 


High school musicians selected for the All-Eastern Honor Ensemble were from the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.