Nash County Bands Achieve Superior Ratings at Statewide Music Adjudication

NASH COUNTY, N.C. (March 24, 2025) — Bands from Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) recently showcased their musical talents at the Music Performance Adjudication (MPA), an annual event hosted by the North Carolina Bandmasters Association. The two-day event was held at Martin County High School in Williamston.

MPA is the closest equivalent to an end-of-grade (EOG) test for school bands, serving as a major statewide assessment of student musicianship. North Carolina is divided into seven districts for band-related events, each responsible for hosting its own MPA. These adjudications allow student musicians to demonstrate their musical growth, perform for professional adjudicators, and receive ratings based on their performance.

During the adjudication, each band performed three contrasting concert selections and a sight-reading piece—one they had never seen before—for a panel of judges. The stage performance was evaluated by three judges, while an additional judge assessed the sight-reading portion.

NC Bandmasters Association MPA Rating Scale (Stage Performance)

Superior (I) — Comparable to an A grade. Reflects an outstanding performance that goes beyond technical accuracy into artistic expression.
Excellent (II) — Comparable to a B grade. Demonstrates a high level of performance with good fundamentals but lacks finesse and consistency.
Average (III) — Comparable to a C grade. Performance is mediocre, with noticeable limitations in technique and musicality.
Below average (IV) — Comparable to a D grade. Performance is weak, filled with technical errors and intonation problems.
Poor (V) — Comparable to an F grade. Performance is unacceptable musically and technically, showing a lack of preparation and training.

Nash County Public Schools bands delivered outstanding performances, earning top ratings at the event: Nash Central High School, Northern Nash High School, and Southern Nash High School each earned superior ratings, while Red Oak Middle School and Southern Nash Middle School received excellent ratings.

A superior rating represents the highest level of achievement, demonstrating exceptional musicianship and performance quality. An excellent rating is also a significant honor, reflecting a high level of musical proficiency.

“Congratulations to all the incredible band directors and talented students of Nash County Public Schools for their outstanding performances at the Music Performance Adjudication," said Wendy Hinson, AIG/fine arts coordinator for Nash County Public Schools.

Students reflected on the experience, describing both the challenge and excitement of performing in front of professional judges.

"Everything we worked on for the last two months led up to this moment," said Demitri Braxton, an 11th grader and tenor saxophonist at Southern Nash High School. "I wasn’t sure if we’d earn a superior, but seeing our score was the highlight of my day."

Eighth grader and trombone player Griffin Stroh-Cock of Southern Nash Middle described the event as "an amazing experience."

"The camaraderie, the energy—it all came together on stage," he said.

"This was a huge moment of growth for us as musicians," said Myles Thompson, an eighth grader and an alto saxophonist from Red Oak Middle. "It really allowed us to showcase our talent and represent our school in a positive way."

"Winning three superior ratings will be a cherished memory," said Nash Central senior Christian Gurganus. "I’m grateful to our band directors for their guidance and support."

Senior trumpet player Caroline Murray of Northern Nash emphasized the dedication behind their success.

"Despite missing several days of rehearsal, we delivered an exciting Grade 6 performance, earning straight superior ratings and A’s in all categories," she said.

Each year, MPA provides young musicians with valuable opportunities to receive professional evaluations, refine technical skills, and prepare for future performances. The success of NCPS bands at MPA highlights the district’s commitment to arts education and the outstanding quality of its music programs.

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SNMS and ROMS