The N.S.U. Middle Lab School Orchestra competed at Festival Disney in Orlando, Fla. on March 31–April 1. Festival Disney is the premiere international music festival where 51 orchestras, bands and choirs performed with hopes of winning one of the coveted Mickey Mouse trophies. The Middle Lab Orchestra consisted of 61 string orchestra members from grades 6-8.
They were accompanied by 174 chaperones, siblings, grandparents and Lab School Orchestra Director Katrice LaCour and Talent Instructor Milovan Paz.
The group performed at the Ballroom of the Americas at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort and evaluated by three adjudicators. The panel consisted of Dr. Kenneth Dye, Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Rick Good, Department Chair and Director of Bands at Auburn University. Prof. Gary Langford, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Florida.
Three types of awards were presented at the awards ceremony in the Indiana Jones theater. The Festival Disney award is presented to ensembles receiving a Superior (90-100%) or Excellent rating (80-89%). Best in Class is presented to the highest rated ensemble within their division. Festival Disney Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are presented to the three highest superior-rated ensembles.
The N.S.U. middle Lab Orchestra received a festival Disney Superior Award for a score of 93.5%. The Orchestra was then awarded Best in Class for the highest score in its division. Finally, the group was awarded the Gold Mickey Mouse Award for the highest score overall. The orchestra returned home on Monday. LaCour would like to invite everyone to hear this award-winning group on Monday, May 15 starting at 5:30 pm in Magale Recital Hall.
Pictured: J.D. Henderson, Jameson LaCaze, Ethan Johnson, Weston Dunagan, Brennan Dromm, Ann-Marie Dunahoe, Piper Foshee, Ana Reynolds-Perez, Emery Bryant, Kinslee Dunn, Bella Lopez, Kynlee Harrell, Kate Sales, Riya Webber, Melanie Johnson, Jake Broadway, Jayden Fernandez, Khloe Monceaux, Meena Matta, Pierce Hyams, Allie Ducote, Kallie Guidroz, Caroline Church, Milovan Paz (Talent Instructor), Chazlyn Kennedy, June Yao, Jacob Roquemore, Karyssa Griffith, Kate Shivers, Kimoni Ajise, Tano Eleyae, Ronald Bolton, Caleb Bynog, Bryce Smith, Brian Morris, Ki Caruthers, Carson Lyles, Griffin Van Sickle, Kamryn Dawson, Kaylie Rhodes, Madelyn Roquemore, Scott Stetson, Anna Taylor, Jayden Lodrigue, Dr. Grant Eloi (Superintendent NPSB), Reese Kiracofe, Katrice Lacour (NSUM Orchestra Director), Katelyn Mitchell, Ella Eloi, Nathaniel Young, Jake Cain, Alison Key, Lincoln Wilkerson, Tate Scribner, Evelyn Nicholson, Aniyah Williams, Ripplie Perkins, Zavion Sowell, Noah Dillard, Michael French, Ainsley Pickett, Morgan Garcia, Adelle Williams, Jayce Smith, Christian Frazier, Callie Mangum.
The NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra along with Director LaCour would like to thank the following sponsors:
1. CITY OF NATCHITOCHES
2. FOX REALTY
3. CITY BANK
4. SABINE STATE BANK
5. HOWARD CONDAY LAW OFFICE
6. BANK OF MONTGOMERY
7. PILGRAMS PRIDE
8. BOISE CASCADE
9. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
10. N.S.U. FOUNDATION
11. ALLIANCE COMPRESSORS
12. JOHN FLYNN
13. MAGGIOS
14. INTERSTATE BUILDING MATERIAL
15. HOSPICE OF NATCHITOCHES
16. DURRETT TITLE LLC
17. POCHES WOOD SPECIALIST
18. CRIEG GEORGE
19. BLANCHARD FUNERAL HOME
20. ENGAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
21. BOLTON REALTY
22. RICHARD RODGER
23. ROY O MARTIN
24. HSIAOPEI LEE
25. DR. HANDEL
26. WURSTER OIL COMPANY
27. AKA CONSTRUCTION
28. WEYERHAEUSER
29. NATCHTIOCHES PARISH SHERIFF DEPT.
30. CHAD NELSON
31. CANE RIVER CHARITIES
32. MARY JONES
33. SWEET FRUIT DELIGHTS
34. LASYONE’S
35. MAGLIEAUX’S
36. RAISING CANES
37. WHATABURGER
38. MCALLISTER
39. CHILI’S
40. OLIVE GARDEN
41. MAMA’S AND PAPA’S
42. MERCY BEAUCOUP
43. PIONEER PUB
44. MARINER’S
