Doug Marier Solo Fest at Glen Crest School

Performing for music judge Tom Bowling are Glen Crest Middle School's seventh-grade cello quartet Matt Sampey, Ryan Gracia, David Swarts, and Roy Miao.

They were part of the 70 middle school musicians participating in the 26th annual Doug Marier Solo Fest at Glen Crest.

Community Consolidated School District 89 was fortunate to have orchestra director and music teacher, Doug Marier on their staff for over 30 years. He built the orchestra program in the district into an award-winning department and guided talented string performers through the years. Many of his students went on to professional carreers in music performance, music education and many have kept playing just for the love of their orchestral instrument.

To honor Marier, Glen Crest Middle School orchestras coordinate the annual Doug Marier Solo Fest at the middle school. On March 17, 70 students participated in the festival, playing either a solo, in an ensemble or both. No awards are presented during the festival.

The main purpose is to give each young musician the chance to play their instrument in front of a music performance judge. Marier and music instructor Tom Bowling were the judges this year and critiqued each of the participants as they presented their musical selections.

Glen Crest orchestra director, Kristi Ditsch greeted an audience of parents, friends and relatives who came to hear the music at the festival.