On Monday February 9 band members gathered in the PAC to perform three pieces for pre-festival.

“Pre-festival is smaller and like a practice run for regular festival,” junior Brandon Vagi said.

At pre-festival the wind ensemble band, concert band and symphonic band performed The Clackson, The Northern Legend and Fantasia and Jade for two judges. These judges then critiqued each piece and informed the band on what needs to be approved.

“It was a low-key performance and only pre-festival, but I was still nervous. I always am worried that I won’t play the piece perfectly, and that the judges will give us a low score,” junior Adriana Delisi said.

Pre-festival is a valuable tool for the bands and their group improvement on each piece. Pre-festival shows the band what they need to work on and do differently in order to get in division one for festival.

“I was happy when the judges gave us a good input and advice for festival because we performed the pieces well, but they have to be better for festival,” Vagi said.

Some band members do not enjoy giving up their time for this event, but the benefits and aid this event provides makes it all worth it. Plus, many students are very dedicated to their music and recognize the importance of this event.

“I think Pre-Festival is important because the judges critique and explain what we need to do differently,” Delisi said.

The bands performed well at Monday’s event but most members say there is still room for improvement.

“It was a fun performance, but I don’t think it is Division One material yet,” junior Nick Gjelaj said. “Thankfully we have more time to practice before festival.”