And the award goes to … Desert Ridge and Eisenhower Middle School advanced orchestras.
The middle schools’ combined orchestras received the 2023 Honor Ensembles from the New Mexico Educators Association, which was announced July 17. Desert Ridge Middle School orchestra teacher Erica Photiades directed the ensembles to help the young musicians win the honors.
A July 30 tweet by Desert Ridge MS says, “The New Mexico Educators Association has selected the combined Desert Ridge/Eisenhower Advanced Orchestra as the 2023 Honors Orchestra. It is extremely rare for a middle school orchestra to be chosen. Bravo to both schools!”
Other 2023 Honor Ensembles recognized by NMEA include the Eldorado High School Screamin’ Eagle Jazz Band, the V. Sue Cleveland High School Wind Symphony, the Portales High School Chamber Choir and the Educator General Music Ensemble.