Strike up a Chord

 by Diane Prem

Hampton musicians in the 5^th and 6^th grade bands presented a Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 7^th at the Hampton Middle School.  Conducted by Mr. Sean Desguin, the 5^th grade band took the stage to rounds of applause and played a rousing version of Yankee Doodle Dazzle and a band favorite Wooly Bully, to name a few.

And the band played on . . . the 6^th grade band, conducted by Mrs. Lurrene Parker, played a mixed repertoire of crowd pleasers like Stars and Stripes Forever, followed by the mystic, creative rendition of Ancient Voices that included an unorthodox tapping pencils segment, ending with the band’s favorite Fire Dance.  The crowd gave a resounding applause to the talented efforts of these fine young musicians.

Also recognized were the 10 students selected to play in the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association) Band Fest, comprised of 130 students from approximately 40 elementary and middle schools in the Western Allegheny County area.  The 6^th grade students chosen were Natalie Falcione, Lexi Meglio, and Michael Marinelli.  The 5^th grades students chosen were Josh Huber, Diana Berarducci, Dominic Ceccarelli, Tristan Francois, Elena Dysert, Nathaniel Beach, and Matthew Ramsey.

The Middle School Band will be performing the National Anthem during the pregame ceremony at the upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets game at PNC Park on Wednesday, June 3^rd.  Come out and support the band!