Artists of the Week: Alexander Mita & Mila Chan

The Warwick Valley Central School District recently highlighted the artistic talents of Alexander Mita and Mila Chan for its “Artists of the Week” column after the two were selected to the Orange County Music Educator’s Association (OCMEA) Elementary All-County Orchestra! The pair will be joining their musical peers from across the county to practice and perform during the OCMEA Elementary All-County Festival on April 26 and 27.

Students must have their names submitted to audition for OCMEA ensembles by their teachers. Sanfordville Elementary School music teacher Keely Blaikner played a role in their selection, encouraging the enthusiasm and ambition that Mita and Chan showed, and helping them work on their preparations.

An OCMEA All-County audition requirements include: a prepared solo, playing multiple-octave scales, and sight reading.

“They practiced and practiced for weeks individually,” said Blaikner. “As the audition date drew closer, I could see that they were well prepared. Then, it was all up to them.”

On audition day — back on January 6 — all of Mita and Chan’s hard work paid off. They achieved their goal; both were accepted into the Elementary All-County Orchestra.

“I’m so happy for these two amazing members of our fourth-grade orchestra,” said Blaikner. “And we’re all excited to have two Sanfordville students representing Warwick in the county-wide orchestra!”

During the All-County festival this April, Mita will be playing viola and Chan the violin. They are also preparing solo materials for another upcoming regional music program, the New York State Scholastic Music Association’s (NYSSMA) Festival. For their NYSSMA auditions, both students will be performing on piano, and Mita will also audition on viola.

Both Mita and Chan come from musical families. Mita’s mom played viola and Chan’s mom plays piano and used to play violin.

Mita and Chan are excited about all of the musical opportunities awaiting them at Warwick Valley Middle School.

“Mila and Alexander have such bright and wonderful futures ahead of them,” said Blaikner. “Not just in music, but in all aspects of their life. I have truly treasured working with and getting to know them through their gift of music this year.”