On March 8, the Saint Viator band hosted a collaborative concert with middle school students from St. Mary School and St. Hubert School. This year marks the first time that Saint Viator has collaborated with a middle school other than St. James or Our Lady of the Wayside.

“I thought it would be a great way to bring in area schools to share a concert together,” said Mr. Vince Genualdi, director of bands at Saint Viator. “It provides both an opportunity to collaborate with other musicians, other parents and other directors like Mr. Case and, hopefully, brings more awareness [to] what we’re doing here in our program.”

Mr. Richard Case, Band Director at St. Hubert’s School and St. Mary’s School, conducted two songs for each of his middle school bands. The Saint Viator symphonic band then performed two pieces. The concert ended with a collaborative piece with all of the middle schoolers and high schoolers.

Freshman Amalia Sordo-Palacios was a student at this collaboration concert with St. James just two years ago.

“I saw how much fun the other upper class students were having, and I realized that it would probably be a fun experience,” said Sordo-Palacios.

This concert brought more than just exposure to the community.

“It teaches us a sense of leadership,” said sophomore Anna Gorman. “We are like role models for the young kids.”

This collaboration concert may be changed for next year. There will likely be several smaller events throughout the year in which high schoolers and middle schoolers will be given the chance to perform together.

“It may not look the same as this concert format, but it will be there via football games, basketball games or our home concerts,” said Mr. Genualdi. “The idea is to continue the collaboration.”