Band and chorus start on the right note

It’s the beginning of the school year and musically speaking things are taking off. The band is preparing new fourth graders and the chorus is welcoming new fifth graders. Allison Beckley is the music and chorus teacher. She’s been at Patrick M. Villano School for a couple of years.

“I am working on an opportunity this year for fourth graders to participate in a chorus,” Beckley said. “I noticed last year that the fourth graders didn’t have any opportunities for singing outside of music class, and I was trying to find a way to have them included in the vocal program. This year, I should be able to make it work out.”

The chorus has many fresh faces who are mostly from the fifth grade with one or two new people from the sixth grade. There are currently 26 students in chorus.

Joseph Gibbs was the music teacher when he first arrived at Villano a few years ago. Last year, he moved to the position of band teacher.

“A particular achievement that stands out to me is the number – three full bands, all of them with almost 40 students each,” Gibbs said. “It is clear that the band is loved and appreciated at Villano; the student’s hard work and dedication to their instrument and the program is the greatest achievement of all.”

There are 124 people in total for the band including the beginner band, concert band, and symphonic band. This year the symphonic band will have a new addition of a violinist and a pianist.