The Festival is adjudicated and run by North American Music Festivals. It offers High School music ensembles an opportunity to prepare and strive for excellence in performance, hear constructive comments aimed at bringing their program to the next level and positive recognition for their achievements.

265 students, accompanied by 20 chaperones and 7 administrators traveled by bus from Wilton to Boston on Thursday evening, April 24. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, the students performed at John Hancock Hall, where they were evaluated and rated by three judges.

After a break for dinner they attended an award ceremony at the Hall followed by a late night pizza party upon returning to the hotel. On Saturday, the whole group quacked their way through Boston on Duck Tours and then enjoyed a performance by the Blue Man Group before riding the buses home.

11 ensembles from Wilton High School presented adjudicated programs at the Festival. Top Awards went to Jazz I, the Symphonic Orchestra and The Bottom Line (the men's choral group). Specific awards were as follows:

* The Most Outstanding Choral Group Trophy went to The Bottom Line (the men's choral group)

* The Most Outstanding Instrumental Group Trophy went to the Symphonic Orchestra

* Outstanding soloist in an Instrumental Group went to Doug Bogan, Piano, Jazz I

* Outstanding soloist in a Choral Group went to Michael Ward, The Bottom Line

* Outstanding soloist in a Concert Band went to Jay Webster, Oboe

* Outstanding Brass Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I

* Outstanding Saxophone Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I

* Outstanding Rhythm Section in an Instrumental Group went to Jazz I

Ratings for the ensembles were as follows with Superior being the highest rating:

* Mixed Chorus – Excellent

* Madrigal Choir – Superior

* Women's Chorus - Excellent

* The Bottom Line – Superior

* Combined Orchestra – Excellent

* Symphonic (Select) Orchestra – Superior

* Concert Band – Good

* Wind Ensemble – Excellent

* Jazz Ensemble III – Excellent

* Jazz Ensemble II - Excellent

* Jazz Ensemble I – Superior

The annual adjudication trip is organized by Frank (Chip) Gawle together with the Band Boosters Association and is one of the year's highlights for the music students.

You can hear all of these musicians perform next at the annual Wilton High School's Pops concert on May 28 at 7:30 pm at the Clune Center. Admission is free.