SV Band hosts spring concert, recognizes members with awards
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SENTINEL PHOTO - The Shenandoah Valley High School Band performs the march "Hampden Firemen" during their spring band concert on May 9, 2019. Three percussionists, two of whom are volunteer firefighters, wore Shenandoah Fire Department-issued helmets as the piece was performed.
By Kaylee Lindenmuth
SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah Valley’s high school musicians exhibited their talents Thursday evening before a crowd of community members for their annual spring concert.
The 29-member concert band performed a variety of songs ranging from Broadway tunes to a march written for a Reading fire company.
During the march, entitled “Hampden Firemen,” percussionists Brianna Mazack, Kayla Perrong, and Heather Maurer wore helmets issued by the Defender Fire Company and the Rescue, Hook, and Ladder Company in Shenandoah. Mazack and Perrong are both volunteer firefighters, with the Defender and Hookies respectively, while Maurer wore a helmet belonging to fellow band member and Hookies volunteer Kathy Selbi.
The band also recognized its senior members and an underclassmen for their achievements with the band.
Band director John Shoener presented seven awards to students this year, two of which, he said, were new this year, created in honor of individuals who had a significant impact on the musical arts in Shenandoah.
First award presented was the John Phillips Sousa award, which was given to Rylea Gaverick. Next, Shoener, along with assistant director Josh Kovich, presented the first Ed McDermott award, in honor of Shenandoah High School’s first band director. That award was given to Heather Maurer.
Next was an award named in honor of the Shenandoah-native Dorsey Brothers, given to Brianna Mazack. Two awards were presented the Jazz Band members, the Armstrong award and Herman award, given to Sean James and Kathy Selbi respectively.
The Marching award was presented to Angelina Tovar. .All are seniors.
Another award, which was unnamed, was presented to an underclassman, junior Kaitlyn Karpovich. Karpovich, Shoener said, was, to his knowledge, the first in school history to make PMEA State Orchestra, a feat she attained this year. In addition to that, Karpovich also participates in or has participated in the SV Jazz Band, the Gabriel Youth Orchestra, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County Band, PMEA District 10 Band, PMEA District 10 Orchestra, PMEA Region 5 Band, and PMEA Northeast Region Orchestra.
After each award was presented, the Shenandoah Valley Band Boosters gave their senior gifts to the six soon-to-graduate seniors. Then, band members were recognized for their years in the band, ranging from first year participant to a 10-year participant.
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