MCHS FINE ARTS FOUR BAND MEMBERS RECEIVE ALL-STATE
Honors
Marian Catholic Marching Band at New York City Macy’s Day Parade.
Chris Trlak ’14, Ellen Chmura ’14, Nicole Szewczyk ’15, & Geronimo Melendez ’14.
Congratulations to four students from Marian Catholic High School who have been named to the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Honors Band and Honors Orchestra. Seniors Ellen Chmura, Geronimo Melendez, and Chris Trlak, along with junior Nicole Szewczyk joined the top players from the state of Illinois to perform with collegiate and professional conductors from around the country. Each student auditioned and was placed in the highest ensemble of eligibility. This process began in October when students from the area auditioned for a spot in the Illinois District 1 Band and Orchestra. The Marian Catholic representatives competed with hundreds of other students from schools over the entire state of Illinois. Local schools included, Lincoln-Way, Sandburg, Marist, and Lockport. After performing a concert at Lincoln-Way East, the students patiently waited for a committee from all nine Illinois districts to gather and evaluate the highest scores and quotas for each district. Marian Catholic belongs to District 1, which has one of the largest numbers of schools in attendance. Because of the large number of schools, in District 1 only the absolute highest scores are considered. The concerts were held at the Peoria Civic Center at the end of January as the closing events of the 2014 Illinois Music Educators Conference.
SPEECH TEAM
Represents Marian Catholic at State Competition The Marian Catholic Speech team competed on February 22, 2014, at the Peoria Civic Center with a list of nearly 40 different schools across the state of Illinois to try and claim the crown of State Champion. After triumphing as champions at both their Regional and Sectional sites, the Spartans had their eyes set on the State Championship. Marian was well represented, advancing students from nine of the 15 different categories. Many team members performed very well in every one of the events. “I’m very proud of the entire team and the accomplishments they achieved throughout the year,” said Marian Speech Director, Mark Donaway. “Regional and Sectional Championships are great honors, they [Marian Speech members] have a lot to be proud of.” Of the nine MCHS representatives, senior Cooper Packard claimed a state title in Special Occasion Speaking. “After finishing second last year, I had my sights set on only one thing and that was being a state champion,” said Packard. “The amount of attention and greetings I received was greatly appreciated, I didn’t really expect that.” Cooper received multiple first place votes in the preliminary rounds before saving his best act for the finals and receiving the honor of State Champion. Other notable accomplishments included junior Emerson Pavur and senior Regina Hoyles as they placed sixth in Dramatic Duet Acting. 7
Band Performs
in NYC for Macy’s Parade
The Marian Catholic High School Marching Band performed at the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York City this past November. The band was selected out of more than 150 applicants nationwide for one of 11 marching band slots in the annual parade. With the parade seen by more than 50 million television viewers and more than 3.5 million spectators annually, the students rose to the occasion by demonstrating flexibility and vigilance, performing at an incredibly high level in uncertain circumstances. This was one of the highest accomplishments for this prolific band. The Marian Catholic Marching Band, which consists of 225 students, participated in a number of activities while in New York City. When they weren’t performing, band members had the opportunity to do some sightseeing. Within their six day adventure, Marian students toured the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, The Lincoln Center, and attended a Broadway show. “This is an exciting time. There is a different kind of energy when you are getting ready for a performance at this level,” said Greg Bimm, Band Director at Marian Catholic. “It’s one more very special experience for our students. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the two greatest parades in the United States, making this an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.” Patrick Smith ’15
Back Row: Emerson Pavur ’15, Desi McCray ’14, Myles Bradley ’14, Cooper Packard ’14, and Laura Hilger ’14. Front Row: Cristen Milliner ’14, Megan Ringo ’14, Kyliah Thompson ’14, and Regina Hoyles ’14