SD Strike Up the Band! USC Band Festival Hits the Right Notes Alison Hess, USCBPA President If you were anywhere near Upper St. Clair High School on Saturday, September 16, you may have seen the crowd or heard the drums and wondered what was happening that evening. It was a perfect night for the 42nd annual Marching Band Festival, a tradition that fills the air with music and fun every fall. But before a single instrument made a sound, the schedule of events that was planned exactly a year ago began. Alumni marching band members were greeted and dined in our school, reminiscing about songs and students they knew from their days in uniform. Neighboring bands from Baldwin, Brashear, Carlynton, Montour, South Fayette, and Steel Valley were welcomed as their hosts directed the students to the stands and the staff to our hospitality buffet with a place Jim Bennett, directing the USC alumni band to relax, recharge, and refresh. And our audience of family and friends were treated to a fully-stocked concession stand. A warm welcome by USC High School Principal Dr. Louis Angelo opened the festivities. Hosted by the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association (USCBPA), this annual celebration of music in motion on the field draws crowds both young and old. As the sun set this year in a brilliant pink and purple sky, the beat of the drums echoed through the air, and all who could hear them felt the joy of the musicians. One hundred and forty-two USC marching band students took to the field to open the show with their signature march, Emperata, directed by special guest and former USC band director James Bennett (1971–2003). Alongside the marching band were 25 alumni marching band members. Also joining in were 67 Fort Couch Middle School students who got a taste of high school marching, as this was the first time these young musicians have participated in the festival. Drum majors Amanda Ross, Meghan Johnson, and Nick Ravasio led the students as they continued with The Star Spangled Banner and the USC alma mater. They then cleared the field for Carlynton High School, and the festival was officially underway! Each band took to the field and gave performances that showcased their style and strengths. To close out the show, USC students performed their Hard Corps Latin show featuring Topaz, Tiger of San Pedro, and Malaguena. Directed by Don Pickell and assisted by John Seybert (director of district bands), Kierah Hanna (auxiliary coach), and Patrick Jones (drumline coach), the students worked very hard since band camp in August and were excited to show their skills to family, friends, and neighbors. The band festival is sponsored by the USCBPA, the booster organizaFort Couch students get ready to take the field tion responsible for providing support to all the instrumental groups at the high school. The primary function of the USCBPA is to serve as an advocate and encourage participation in the many instrumental programs at Upcoming Performances the school, including marching band, jazz band, concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestra. District-wide, more than 200 students participate in these ensembles, keeping the music program vibrant and enriching the lives of those who attend concerts USCHS Jazz Ensemble Concert and programs. Throughout each school year, the instrumental ensembles presTuesday, November 21, 7 p.m. ent more than ten concerts, all of which are free and open to the public. March, Boyce Middle School Theater which is nationally recognized as “Music in our Schools Month,” offers three concerts as well as six performances of the USC High School musical, which is USCHS Bands and Orchestra a collaborative effort between instrumentalists and vocalists. Winter Concert Extending beyond our local community, the student instrumentalists at Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m. USC also have an opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. Each USCHS Theater spring, students in various ensembles participate in a music department trip, and those experiences are meaningful and exciting for the students. Last year, Visit www.uscbpa.org for complete information the Panther Marching Band, in conjunction with the Pantheon Choir traveled about the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association, to Norfolk, Virginia, to participate in the 63rd annual Parade of Nations at The its activities, and fundraising initiatives. For a Norfolk NATO Festival. And this year, they will be flying to Walt Disney World complete list of performing arts events, visit the Upper St. Clair School District calendar at for workshops, performances, a parade, and fun in the parks! n
What – When – Where
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017