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4/3/2008: Elementary Honors Band Concert on April 14

Dates: Monday, April 14, 2008
Time: 7:00p.m.
Location: Indian Valley Middle School Auditorium

This spring the SASD Elementary Honors Band is approaching its eighth anniversary! This special ensemble will include primarily fifth (but will also include many fourth) grade band students from all seven elementary schools in the district. This year we are proud to present our largest ensemble yet since the founding of the honor band program. The SASD Elementary Honors Band is one of the largest out of school academic enrichment programs offered in the district. Over 120 students completed the training necessary to participate in this select ensemble.

At the beginning of the school year, students were provided a benchmark list of requisite skills and exercise goals for which they were to strive during their home practicing and their weekly group lessons. Every student who demonstrates these skills by the end of January received an invitation to participate in this enriching co-curricular event.

This year's program will include:

The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
The Honor March by Sandy Feldstein
The Spirit of New Orleans by Paul Murtha
The Legend of the Yankee Clipper by James Swearingen
Gentle River by Rob Grice
Hooroosh! by Ralph Ford
Majestica by Brian Balmages

The Honors Band is taught and conducted by the SASD elementary school band teachers: Mr. Barry Mertz, Mr. Ryan Pongras, and Mr. Bill Helmer. Also assisting and conducting the students will be the directors Ms. Lois A. Russo, Indian Valley Middle School, Mr. Michael Haggerty, Indian Crest Junior High School, Mr. Stephen Straka, Souderton Area High School.

Students in the honor band are given music to practice that typically is more challenging than normal elementary band literature. They are expected to prepare this music above and beyond their normal lesson assignments and school band literature.

Come out and enjoy this special event. Light refreshments will be served. The concert is a gift to the community and will be free of charge.

For more information, please contact Bill Helmer, Franconia Elementary, via e-mail at bhelmer@soudertonsd.org.