St. Paul Sound takes New Orleans! See how our Eagles Band, Choir, and Guitar swept the 2026 Crescent City Music Festival with 1st place wins and Superior ratings.
St. Paul Sound takes New Orleans! See how our Eagles Band, Choir, and Guitar swept the 2026 Crescent City Music Festival with 1st place wins and Superior ratings.
St. Paul Sound has been working hard for years to be among the highest-scoring groups of the US Music Programs. This dedication has placed our ensemble where they want to be: St. Paul Sound currently holds a ranking in the top 5% of all US Music Programs.
This year, the group was invited to compete in the Crescent City Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. This invitation-only event is a high-quality musical experience for each student. It is education-based and reinforces the musical concepts taught in our classrooms in Hanoi.
To be invited, participants must meet strict criteria, such as achieving top scores from previous events. We have performed incredibly well in Orlandofest 2025, in Hawaii in 2024, and New York in 2023.
Competition Standards
Participation in the Crescent City Classic is strictly invitation-only. To secure a spot, ensembles must demonstrate consistent excellence and maintain top-tier scores from previous regional events. The competition is structured into two rigorous phases:
The Standards Rating: Groups are first measured against a strict set of national music standards. A panel of three expert judges provides real-time written and verbal feedback, highlighting both technical mastery and areas for growth.
The Scoring System: Performances are graded on a scale of 100 points.
The Ranking: Once the individual scores are tallied, they are compared against other groups within the same category to determine the final standings.
EAGLES CHOIR
Gold Medal rating with a score of 94
1st Place
EAGLES BAND
Gold Medal rating with a score of 94
1st Place
EAGLES GUITAR
Gold Medal rating with a score of 95
1st Place
2 students received individual trophies for the vocal and bass clarinet, Congratulations to Annie and Tama!
All three groups earned 1st place in their categories, scoring higher than other schools performing. For the soloist trophies, the judges can award trophies to any individual musician that they feel is performing above and beyond their peers.
New Orleans is a living classroom, a city renowned for its multicultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-famous music scene. Between competitive sets, our students explored the city and surrounding areas:
Tours:
Food exploration:
The experience culminated in an awards ceremony aboard a classic steamboat. Students celebrated their musical achievements while cruising the Mississippi River, surrounded by the sights and sounds of New Orleans. This memorable trip is a fantastic chance to grow as musicians, and experience the music, culture, and charm of New Orleans.
