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Villanova
Summer 2005 Symphonic Band
Alexis Paolantonio
and Krystin Fischer '05
On July 1 the Kimmel Center opened its doors to high school and grade
school music teachers from around the tri-state area who performed a
wonderful concert as members of the Villanova University Summer Symphonic
Band. The teachers were all participants in a week long class sponsored by
the summer music program at Villanova University and The University of the
Arts, headed by conductor Edward S. Lisk, which gave the music educators an
opportunity to learn new teaching techniques as well as sharpen their own
musical skills.The concert, the first the program has
ever performed, was intended to show school decision-makers how important
music is in our schools for the development of children. Lisk started the
performance by saying, “Beautiful people make beautiful music and beautiful
music makes beautiful people.” And beautiful music was not in short supply.
The band played 14 compositions, ending the night with two patriotic works
that were strongly applauded.
Stephen Melillo, composer of several of the pieces,
helped Lisk teach the class, and was a guest conductor for the concert.
Mellio writes many compositions for the grade school/ high school age group
which made his appearance a real treat for the educators who worked with him
for the week. Melillo said that sharing music with people is what keeps
music alive; he was very happy to be part of something that promotes the
importance of music for young people.
Vee Papat, a music teacher in the Randolph Township
school district of New Jersey and part of the Villanova Summer Symphonic
Band, said that he comes from a strong music program, but knows many schools
that are not as fortunate. To Papat, being a member of the class and
concert participant was important because, “In pop culture today there is
not a diverse representation of all the music that is out there. I want my
students to know that, for example, while rap is cool, it came from jazz.”
To Papat keeping music alive in schools is vital because it keeps children
aware of the background of pop culture.
Director of Music Activities, John Dunphy, was thrilled
at the performance, “The course has been held for 15 years, but this is the
first year we’ve had the teachers perform.” Dunphy explained that tickets
for the show were sent to school superintendents and other decision makers
with the hope that they would attend and see just how important music is to
the development of today’s children.
The audience, comprised of school officials, Villanova
University faculty and staff, alumni, students and others did not leave
disappointed. Exclamations of praise and admiration for the teachers’ skills
filled the reception which was held next door to the Kimmel Center in the
Great Hall of the University of the Arts. “The show was fantastic!” said
Villanova staff and alumnae Rita Harper, and Mitzi Coughlin. Jenkintown High
School student Ashley Chapin described the concert as “tremendous and
vibrant.” |
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