Friday, December 08, 2006

MSO Cello Fellow Performs for Middle School

Katerina Juraskova, a Cello Fellow with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, recently performed before the entire student body at the Middle School of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. She played many different numbers and explained the different styles of music she performed. According to the MSO website, “Miss Juraskova has had extensive orchestral experience as Principal Cello of the McGill Chamber Orchestra, La Pieta Chamber Orchestra, The National Academy Orchestra, The Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra, and the Prager Symphonikers. She has performed as a chamber musician to great acclaim at festivals in Canada, Belgium, Sweden, and Japan.

A native of the Czech Republic, Miss Juraskova holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from McGill University, Diplomas from The Conservatoire de musique, The International Meunhin Music Academy, and The Conservatoire Europeen de musique de Paris, and a Bachelors degree from The Prague State Conservatory.”

Middle School Principal Anne Ceasar said, "It was a magnificent musical experience for the students. They were privileged to hear this world class musician right in our very own band room."

Middle School Band Members Take Top Chair in Troy

Several Montgomery Catholic Middle School Band members placed in the top band and/or received "first chair" honors at the Southeastern United States Middle School Honor Band held on the campus of Troy University. Eight students were placed in three bands based upon competitive audition, with the top-scoring students receiving spots in the Gold band.
Here are the results of the audition:
Gold Band: Directed by Dr. Larry Blocher
Ben Szatanek - 1st Chair Bass Clarinet
Ryan Patterson - Clarinet
Joseph Sutton - Trombone
Joe Hernandez - Trumpet

Silver Band: Directed by Ms. Deborah Bradley
Alex Taylor - Clarinet
Alex Nola - Trumpet

Crimson Band: Directed by Mr. Michael Thomas
Josh Stark - 1st Chair Alto Saxophone
Dom Godwin - Alto Saxophone

These students rehearsed with their respective bands all day and into the night Friday, and presented a concert in the Trojan Arena at Troy University on Saturday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m.

Kindergarten Sings the Joys of Christmas

On Tuesday night, December 5th, the Kindergarten classes on the St. Bede Campus presented a Christmas program for over 250 of their parents, family and friends. Students wore homemade shirts and pajamas, listening to T’was the Night Before Christmas, while singing Christmas songs throughout the program. After their Christmas story skit, they listened to the real Christmas Story….the story of when Jesus was born. Students formed a nativity scene and sang Christmas carols about Jesus. Kindergarten teachers Ellie Burden, Tracey Bender, and Mary Hutchinson guided the children through a fantastic performance.