Providence student performs at state concert

NEW LENOX—Providence Catholic High School senior Mark Grigoletti of Tinley Park was selected by the Illinois Music Educators Association to perform at the All-State Conference, held Jan. 24-27 in Peoria, Ill. Providence Catholic’s flute section leader has been taking private lessons from Valerie Leitz of New Lenox since he was 10 years old.

In addition to his musical talent, Grigoletti is an honor roll student and was recently named Student of the Month. He is also a drum major for Providence Catholic’s 75-member band. Grigoletti is a member of the Protégé Philharmonic in Chicago, the National Association for Music Education, Tri-M Music Honor Society and has been named to the All Catholic Honor Band for three consecutive years.

“Mark’s dedication to music reinforces everything I hope a band member will achieve. He is the first student from Providence to receive this high honor and I am extremely proud of his accomplishment,” commented Brandon Faust, PCHS Band Director.

Grigoletti plans to major in music education and is considering Illinois State University, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana or Millikin University in Decatur. He is the son of Jeff and Rosanne Grigoletti.

Spartan musicians go on the road

WHEATON—The Feb. 13 snowfall that closed many schools delayed a much-anticipated performance of the St. Francis High School in Wheaton. The band performers were set to share the talents during a whirlwind tour to three area grade schools, St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn, St. Irene School in Warrenville and St. Walter School in Roselle.

But the show is set to go on. The schools are attempting to coordinate schedules so the band can perform music selections ranging from marching band numbers to youth-oriented pieces like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The band also plans to field questions at the end of the performances.

“It’s important for younger students to see how an interest in an instrument can evolve,” said Bob Mamminga, St. Francis band director. “And it’s important for the high school students to see how they can inspire the young people coming after them.” Several of the 40 Spartan musicians plan to be playing at their grade school alma maters.

This is set to be the first time the St. Francis band has traveled to elementary schools to showcase its wind ensemble and drumline. Collaborative planning for the day began last April with the principals at the performance sites. All three grade schools offer instrumental music programs for their students.

Mamminga said he hopes to expand the St. Francis performance tour to other area grade schools next year.

JCA band members perform at festival

JOLIET—Five Joliet Catholic Academy students participated in the All Catholic High School Band Festival held Jan. 20 at the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago. Junior Nyssa Aker played flute; sophomore Casey Armand, flute; sophomore Jim Naprester, trumpet; senior Megan Sartori, clarinet and junior Sarah Sterling, French horn.

The JCA students were joined by other band students from 15 area Catholic high schools. The students played all day between practicing and performing a concert later in the afternoon. They performed “Flourish for Wind Band” by R. Vaughn Williams, “A La Nanigo” by Mitchell Peters, “Suite Provencale” by Jan Van Der Roost, “Russian Christmas Music” by Alred Reed and “Sol Y Sombra” by George Gates.

Montini Catholic Broncettes find magical success

LOMBARD—The award winning Montini Catholic Broncettes have hit a win streak with their new routine “Magic.” On Jan. 20, the Broncettes traveled to Edwardsville, Ill., to compete in an Illinois Drill Team Association Statewide Competition. It was a tough competition that began in the early hours of that Saturday morning, but the team walked away with the first place trophy in the Pom division.

Just one week later on Jan. 27, the Broncettes competed in the Team Dance Illinois competition in Palatine. In addition to finishing in first place, the Broncettes were also the recipients of the Technical Excellence Award.

The very next day, the Broncettes competed in another Illinois Drill Team Association competition at Wheaton North High School. Again, they took first place.

The Broncettes performed their “Magic” routine for the last time at Parent Night for the Varsity Boys Basketball game on Feb. 2.