Providence Academy Students Named to All-State and Regional Honor Bands

(March 5^th, 2008) – Providence Academy junior, Tony Pistilli of Brooklyn Park, is the first student from the Academy named to the Minnesota Music Educators Association All State Band.  Thousands of talented high school students from the metro area auditioned to be one of 575 accepted to the MMEA All State music groups.  Auditions were held in the areas of Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choir and Concert Band.  “It is really a tremendous honor,” said Upper School Band Director Nicole Clark of Pistilli’s award.

Pistilli has played the tenor saxophone in numerous bands since sixth grade.  Auditions for the 2007-08 All-State Band began in March of 2007.  After Pistilli was named to the Symphonic Band he was required to self-learn specific music, attend a weeklong summer band camp and participate in multiple practices, in preparation for the February 16^th concert that took place at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.  “It was really great,” Pistilli said of the performance, “The band was huge and there were so many talented musicians.”  Pistilli will audition March 14^th for the 2008-09 All-State Band.

“It’s been really exciting this year to see the talent mature,” said Clark, “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our students.”  Pistilli will learn the results of his second All-State audition later this spring.  “It was really cool to be the first musician from Providence to be recognized,” he said.  “Especially since there have been some really great performers before me.  I’m excited for my MMEA audition and for next year.”

Also earning recognition were students named to the two 2007-08 Honor Bands.  Approximately 150 students were nominated to the Central Regional Minnesota Band Directors Association 9^th and 10^th Grade Honor Band.  Out of the 85 selected participants, two are Providence Academy students: Taylor Majoy of Plymouth for trumpet and Katie Rathburn of Greenfield for flute.

Nominated by their band director, three Providence Academy students were awarded participation in the CMBDA 6^th through 8th Grade Honor Band.  Baritone players JP Daugherty of Buffalo, and Hayden Kunz of Plymouth, were both honored for their accomplished skill.  Ryan Killion of Maple Grove was also recognized for his abilities in trombone.

Tony Pistilli recently performed on tenor saxophone at Orchestra         Hall as a member of the MMEA All-State Symphonic Band.  His award is the first of its kind for a music student from Providence Academy.

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