Senior Jacob Iwanowicz participated in the PMEA regionals music festival on Feb. 18-March 7.
The PMEA music festival is a multi-level competition where student musicians audition for a spot in the group orchestra. If a student gets in, they can play in the orchestra in one of five different levels: county, district, regional, all-state and all Eastern. Iwanowicz has been involved in the PMEA festival for most of his high school career and finally made it to regionals.
“‘He practices,” Jones said. “I say it many times a day,practice at home, but if you want to participate in PMEA festivals, you need to have the discipline to practice on your own at home and have a private teacher as well.”
Iwanowicz’s eagerness to learn and his work ethic have brought him far on his musical journey, having been involved in the PMEA music festival since his sophomore year. He has made many memories along the way.
“Being involved in PMEA festivals has allowed me to play complex, professional music with strong orchestras, deepening my own musicality,” Iwanowicz said.
Iwanowicz talks about his future goals, after practicing and performing all throughout high school. He also mentions his goals for the future and how music is going to be a crucial part of his life in the future.
“In terms of my music life in 20 years, I hope to still be involved with various projects, and be able to play music on the side,” Iwanowicz said.
After his performance at regionals, he decided to audition for a chance to perform at the state competition, but missed his spot by one chair.
“At the regional festival, he re-auditioned for a chance to perform at states, and unfortunately he missed it by one chair,” Jones said. “They took four violas to the all-state festival, and he was number five. But, being fifth in a region that stretches from the Maryland line to the New York line is amazing as well.”
Through many years of practising and honing his skill, he has made it far. And though his journey with the high school orchestra is over, he’s ready to take his talents and love for music to college level auditions.
