Phillipsburg Middle School competes in MCEL Music Festival

On February 18, 2026 the 7th and 8th Grade Middle School Music students participated in the annual MCEL Music Festival in Norton. The Phillipsburg Middle School Band received a 2 rating as did the Phillipsburg Middle School Choir. The judges’ comments were favorable and many learning opportunities were presented.

Here are the results of the instrumental solos, vocal solos and instrumental ensembles.

I "Superior" ratings: Colten Leidig, snare drum solo, piano solo and vocal solo; Bryson King, piano solo; Haylee Patterson, Brianna Bui, Sydney Gharidi and Linley Humbert, alto saxophone quartet; Merleah Saddler, vocal solo; Julia Walker, vocal solo and clarinet solo; Linley Humbert, alto saxophone solo; Sydney Gharidi, alto saxophone solo; Brianna Bui, alto saxophone solo; Wyatt Terry, tuba solo; Cooper Miller, trumpet solo; Hendrix Jarvis, Wyatt Terry and Cooper Miller (Brass Bros), mixed brass trio;

I- “Superior” ratings: Linley Humbert, vocal solo; Olivia Brown, vocal solo; Merleah Saddler, flute solo;

Receiving II+ "Excellent" ratings: Meah Russom and Brielle Werner, clarinet duet; Meah Russom, clarinet solo;

Receiving II “Excellent” ratings: Olivia Brown, trombone solo; Carson Linner, trumpet solo

The band students are directed by Mrs. Vesta Jo Still and the choir students are directed by Ms. Aubrey Larson . Accompanist for the band is Mrs. Kim Munyon and for the choir is Mrs. Muriel Iman.