Blackstone-Millville Musicians Shine at MICCA: High School and Middle School Groups Bring Home Gold and Silver
Update (April 7, 2025): This article has been updated to include the MICCA award results for Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School bands.
Big applause is in order for the talented student musicians of the Blackstone-Millville Regional (BMR) music program! Over the weekend, the BMR Wind Ensemble earned a Gold Medal and the BMR Concert Band earned a Silver Medal at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival — an incredible accomplishment that speaks volumes about the strength of our local music program.
In addition to the high school’s Wind Ensemble earning a gold medal and the Concert Band securing silver, the middle school bands also delivered remarkable performances. The 6th-grade band from Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School was awarded a gold medal, while the 7th-grade band received silver.
The community is immensely proud of all the musicians who participated and showcased their talents at this prestigious event.
What is MICCA?
The MICCA Festival is a prestigious statewide event where school bands, orchestras, and choirs are evaluated by expert adjudicators. Ensembles perform selected pieces and receive detailed feedback on their musicality, technique, and overall performance. Earning a medal — especially a Gold — is a big deal. It means the group performed with excellence, precision, and artistry that stood out at the state level.
For the district students to bring home several Silver and Gold medals reflects not only the dedication and hard work of the students, but also the outstanding leadership of their directors, Mr. Shafer and Ms. Ryan. Both their guidance and commitment continue to elevate the music experience for our district students.
We’re proud to say that Blackstone and Millville are home to one of the strongest school music programs in Massachusetts — a legacy that spans decades and continues to inspire.
Congratulations to all the incredible student musicians and Mr. Shafer and Ms. Ryan who put in the hours of practice and heart into every note. Our community is proud of you!
