Since the start of 2026, students from both Central Mountain and Bucktail high schools have begun to take part in a variety of competitions as part of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). These competitions range from choral to instrumental and continue until the spring, offering a variety of chances for young musicians to showcase their talents.

CMHS Music Teacher James Eldreth and Band Instructor Ashley Crust, offered a look into the PMEA season for both of Keystone Central’s high schools.

In terms of district chorus, Eldreth said students participated in District Chorus from Jan. 8 to 10 at Southern Huntingdon. Ten students participated in the competition, with a concert performed on Jan. 10 at Juniata College.

Eldreth said four students qualified for Region Chorus, Kathryn Farrall (Alto 1), Thomas Geyer (Tenor 1), Chloe Corbin (Tenor 1) and Connor Kleckner (Bass 1).

PHOTO PROVIDED From left, Josie Crawford, Chloe Corbin, Tyce Greenwood, Sarah Long and Tacie Kauffman were selected to attend the PMEA District 4 & 6 Orchestra Festival at Bellefonte Area High School on Jan. 22-24.

“Additionally, Chloe Corbin was the winner of a $500 PMEA District 4 scholarship,” Eldreth shared.

The District Jazz and A Cappella competition took place Jan. 16 and 17 in State College, concluding with a concert at State College Area High School.

According to Eldreth, “CMHS has three students participate in the jazz bands and eight students participate in the a cappella ensemble.”

Ella Hamilton was amongst the students selected for the 2026 PMEA All-State Contemporary A Cappella ensemble.

“Selection into a PMEA All-State ensemble is a great honor and a huge accomplishment,” Eldreth said.

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Kaleb Reitz, Camden Mann, and Tucker Taylor. These students participated in the PMEA District Jazz Competition in January.

District Orchestra took place Jan. 22 through 24. Students Josie Crawford, Chloe Corbin, Tyce Greenwood, Sarah Long and Tacie Kauffman were selected to attend the festival, held at Bellefonte Area High School.

Greenwood placed fourth in the viola section and qualified to move onto the Western Region Orchestra in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m.

Crust said the successes so far from the students have showcased their dedication to the musical arts.

“Several of our KCSD students have been working very hard to prepare for the PMEA festival season, which runs from January through April,” she said. “As we highlight their accomplishments with photos and articles in the paper and online, you might see a lot of the same faces over and over again, because so many of our musicians are multifaceted, participating in various combinations of band, chorus, orchestra, jazz band, and a cappella.”

There are a variety of upcoming PMEA festivals that will take place from February to April to keep an eye out for:

PHOTO PROVIDED Tyce Greenwood, pictured here with Ashley Crust, placed fourth in the viola section and qualified to move on to Western Region Orchestra in Pittsburgh later this spring.

— District Band: Feb. 5-7

— Region Chorus: Feb. 18-20

— Region Orchestra: March 5-7

— Region Band: March 18-20

— PMEA All-State: April 22-25 (Chorus, Orchestra, Band, Jazz, A Cappella, and Modern Band)

PHOTO PROVIDED Picture are students who participated in the PMEA District Chorus Competition. They are, front row from left , Sarah Long, Kathryn Farrall, Thomas Geyer, Annalise Brungart and Sam Embick. Back row, Chloe Corbin, Connor Kleckner, Zoe McElroy, Ella Hamilton, and Noah Gentzyel. CMHS choir director, Dr. James Eldreth, on the steps at the rear.

Crust noted the school’s music ensembles should also not be overlooked.

“At CMHS, the concert band, jazz band, orchestra, choir and drama club have already started preparing for spring performances,” she said.

Crust said the Central Mountain Jazz Cats have a judged performance at the end of February, in conjunction with the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra.

“The CMHS Drama Club has their annual musical in early April,” she said.

Also on deck is the CMHS Rock Band concert scheduled tentatively for late April followed by the high school’s concert band, choir and orchestra concerts in May.

“The CM Wildcat Marching Band, which has a plethora of performances from May through December, is chomping at the bit to find out what this fall’s show theme will be… but the big show reveal won’t happen until at least April,” she said. “For now, they’re left guessing, with a few well-placed clues hidden around the band room.”

Also on the horizon is the Clinton County Band Festival on March 9-10, held at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School. This festival will include musicians from Bucktail, Central Mountain High School, Central Mountain Middle School and SVRCS, Crust said.

“We look forward to that partnership each spring, which offers opportunities to make great music, forge new friendships and create fond memories,” she said.