This year’s winter assembly starred Saint Viator’s talented band, although someone was missing. Mrs. Anetta Fortner, the teacher and leader of the band, had taken a leave of absence for maternity leave.
Questions spiral throughout the band member’s minds: What are we going to do? What are we going to do without Mrs. Fortner? Who is going to lead our band through this time of loss?
Thankfully, well-qualified substitute Mr. Scott Casagrande stepped up to the challenge. Mr. Casagrande is not just an ordinary music teacher; he was recognized by former president Barack Obama and the National Band Association for all of his prior accomplishments. He was also awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding music Educator Award and has led many school bands to winning superstate titles.
With Mr. Casagrande’s experience and wisdom on the band’s side, it was without doubt that the Winter Arts Festival was going to be filled with euphonious music.
Mr. Casagrande’s excitement for the upcoming festival is unmatched, and the band has big aspirations.
“After 33 years of teaching in the public schools, Saint Viator students have welcomed me, and it’s great to be back in the classroom!” said Mr. Casagrande.
As true to the festivals we’ve had before, there were three songs presented by the band as well as an additional song performed by the jazz band. Most of these songs are familiar to students and highlight the upcoming holiday of Christmas, the first three being “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, “Sweet Sounds of Snowfall” by Cait Nishimura, and “All I Want Is You” by the famous Mariah Carey, and the final additional song being “A Big Band Christmas” by Carl Strommen. Overall, with the leadership by Mr. Casagrande, our band is striving on.