The Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble recently performed at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, IL. The ensemble, which was invited to perform by audition, is the only elementary orchestra ever to be invited to perform during the 67 year history of the conference. This is the second time the orchestra has performed at this prestigious conference, the first time was in 2008.

The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference is the largest and most prestigious music conference in the world. The conference, which is held in Chicago, IL each December, is attended annually by more than 16,000 participants representing all 50 states and 30 foreign countries. The Midwest Clinic exists for educational purposes exclusively; to raise the standards of music education; to develop new teaching techniques; to disseminate to school music teachers, directors and supervisors and others interested in music education, information to assist in their professional work; to examine, analyze and appraise literature dealing with music; to hold clinics, lectures and demonstrations for the betterment of music education; and in general to assist teachers and others interested in music education in better pursuing their profession. In addition to the Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble, performances were given by forty outstanding musical organizations from around the world.

The Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble is comprised of 30 students in fourth through sixth grade from Bridle Path and Montgomery Elementary Schools, who are auditioned from among the 120 members of the Bridle Path/Montgomery Orchestra. Their director is Mr. Ralph Jackson. 

Earlier this year, the ensemble received a special judges' citation from The American Prize national non-profit competition in the performing arts recognizing "Exceptional Accomplishment in String Education and Performance." The judges referred to the ensemble as "a bellwether group, showing what is possible when community, school and musical leadership are in apparent harmony."

To help parents and guardians have a better understanding of the Keystone exams and the expectations for students, the NPSD will be holding two upcoming Keystone Parent Information Nights. During these information sessions, curriculum supervisors will review the curriculum and the academic program for secondary students that is aligned to Keystone expectations and the Pennsylvania Common Core. Presenters will also review the support given to students through additional academic programs to ensure success on the exams. Also, there will be a review of the various pathways for graduation success including Keystone readiness and state mandated project based assessment programs. Currently, NPSD secondary students take three Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Biology and English Literature.

On Tuesday, January 21, an information session will be held specifically for parents of incoming seventh grade students and parents of elementary students in fourth through sixth grade. The January 21 Parent Information Night will be held at Penndale Middle School in the auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m. Penndale Middle School is located at 400 Penn Street in Lansdale.

The second information session will be held on Tuesday, January 28 and will be for parents of students currently in seventh through twelfth grade. This information session will be held in the North Penn High School Auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m. North Penn High School is located at 1340 Valley Forge Road in Lansdale.

Information regarding the Keystone exams and additional resources for review, including sample test questions are available the Keystone Exams website.