Steel Valley to host PMEA Jr. High District 1 East Honors Band Festival

The Steel Valley School District is pleased to announce it will host the PMEA Jr. High District 1 East Honors Band Festival on Thursday, March 2, 2023, and Friday, March 3, 2023. The festival will be held at Steel Valley High School/Middle School located in Munhall, PA. Although a detailed schedule is forthcoming, the festival will begin on Thursday with check-in starting at 8:30AM, and rehearsal beginning at 9:00AM both days. The concert will be on Friday at 7:00PM. 

The guest conductor will be Dr. Christopher Marra, Director of Instrumental Activities at Seton Hill University. As a part of his duties, Dr. Marra conducts the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds, the Griffin concert band, and teaches courses in music education, conducting, and brass. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University, a MM in Music Education with an emphasis in wind band conducting from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis in wind band conducting from the University of Michigan. Prior to his university teaching, Dr. Marra taught high school band and orchestra for 10 years in San Jose, CA where he held board positions with the CMEA Bay Section and the California Band Directors Association. Steel Valley is very excited to have Dr. Marra guest conduct this festival.

Steel Valley Middle School students will participate in the District Band. The students selected are: Alex Wehrer, Hannah Lesser, Rhiannon McConnell, Loki Brown, Ana Wehrer, Austin Blick, Josie Strom, Jacob Wright, Andy Diep, Ashley Bulger, Sophia Wedig, Lucas Barefoot, and Peter Bos