St. Joseph School’s Spring Band Concert took place on Thursday, May 5th and featured beginners, intermediate and advanced students ranging in age from fourth to eighth grade. Also highlighted were several young piano aficionados who, after attending their Kindergarten through second grade classes, worked together in their after school hours to learn their craft. This end of school year concert highlights the hard work and efforts put forth by these students.
As the audience enjoyed sounds like Anne McGinty’s arrangement of “Scarborough Fair”, James Swearingen’s “To A New Beginning” and John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen”, they were also introduced to the many talented soloists as they were highlighted as trophy recipients or medal winners and watched on as students received certificates of achievement. Band Director, Gayle Yanong explained that this Spring Concert is the culminating event of a year filled with hard work and achievement by the band. "This is the band students' opportunity to share all they have accomplished with their family, friends and the St. Joseph community," she added.
Many SJS students joined more than 300 participants from the Chicago area for the February 26th Band for Today Solo Contest. Students could achieve gold, silver, or bronze medals for their performance. Judges could also award a trophy to solos played only at the very highest level.
Students were recognized for their accomplishments. We applaud these students and all band members for their participation in this music program!
Trophy Winners: Emily Blanchard, Evan Culligan, Amy Lansdon and Quinlan McGrath.
Gold Medalists: Jeffrey Gaydos, Jackson Hansen, James Hutto IV, Katherine Hutto, Theresa Hutto, Connor Keegan, Liam Kelly, Ian Lane, Katie Mangan, Regina McLain, Daina Poliakitis, Vitas Polikaitis, John Provenzale, Adam Scheg, Nico Severin and Megan Sluzas.
Silver Medalists: Maggie Dunn, Owen Geraghty, Ian Lane, Rose Schmitt and Rachel Whittington.
Additionally, students Jeffrey Gaydos, Amy Lansdon, Daina Polikaitis and Evan Culligan received Achievement Awards from their band directors Yanong and Paul Barton.
