The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute’s band has received the highest rating possible, Superior, at the Baltimore City Band Adjudication. The event is considered the equivalent of state testing and the Polytechnic Institute’s band was the only high school to receive the rating, with the only other school being a middle school.

The band, directed by Jerome W. Queen, had been preparing for the event since January/February, performing three pieces in front of three judges who graded their performance on several different categories. The music played was at a grade level three, which is the difficulty expected of high school students.

The students and director were also tested on their musical literacy in a component called sightreading. A fourth judge assessed the students’ ability to read and perform music on sight, without having seen the music before. The difficulty level of the sightreading was extremely high, making it challenging for the students to receive a Superior rating.

Mr. Queen noted that the students’ achievement was particularly impressive given that 70% of the band members started at Poly and had an average of only 1.5 years of experience. He compared the difficulty level of their performance to that of a second grader doing algebra or a first grader reading the Crucible and identifying themes.

As a result of their Superior rating, the band has been invited to the State Festival, which showcases every band in the state of Maryland that received Superior ratings.

The band’s success is a significant accomplishment for Mr. Queen, who said it was the first time in his teaching career and the first time since he has been at Poly that the band has received such a high rating.

The band members and Mr. Queen have worked extremely hard to achieve their success, and they deserve congratulations. Their combined efforts have led to the amazing scores they have earned, and their accomplishment is a testament to the high-quality instruction and musical skills taught at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

Congratulations to the Poly band on their outstanding achievement!