It's the end of the school year and the music department continues to be busy!

On Monday, May 20, the band was privileged to have a visit by the composer and arranger of one of the pieces they were playing for the spring concert. Mr. Joseph Lancia (composer) and Mr. John Gates (arranger) spent the entire class period rehearsing with the students, explaining the inspiration for the music and the title of the piece, discussing their process of composing and arranging, and giving the students insight and instruction on their music. Everyone had a good time and learned a lot. What a privilege it was to have the creators of the music spend time with the band!

On Thursday, the band and choir had their annual spring concert. Both ensembles gave amazing performances to close out the year and featured several soloists - Madelyn Thompson (clarinet), Donald Vantilburg (flute), Savannah Dulaney (flute), Michaela Shaw (Alto Saxophone) and Jaylen Barbe (trumpet). Composer Joseph Lancia attended the concert. The Oak Glen Recorder Ensemble also performed beautifully, marking the final performance of two of its original members, Alana Adkins and Savannah Dulaney.  Two soloists who were unable to perform at the regional Solo & Ensemble Festival in January due to a weather cancellation of the event were also featured - Ella Paras (soprano) and Tessa Snider (marimba). All State Musicians in attendance were recognized as well. They are Ella Paras (soprano), Alexa Shaw (alto), Emily Allen (contralto clarinet), Alex Marchese (tuba), and Madelyn Thompson (clarinet). The concert concluded with a combined performance of the high school and current 8th grade (incoming Freshmen) band members, featuring soloists Clayton Heizler (clarinet) and Catelyn Argent (flute).

Friday, May 17 band members were honored at the year-end band banquet. Marching band members were honored with a medal for their participation in marching performances throughout the year. Many students also earned their letter through a high level of dedication and performance all year. The members of the Recorder Ensemble were also recognized with certificates. Special recognitions were:
Most Outstanding Freshman - Jaylen Barbe
Most Outstanding Sophomore - Kaylee Culbreth
Most Outstanding Junior - Madelyn Thompson
Most Outstanding Senior - Savannah Dulaney
Esprit de Corps - Alex Marchese
Most Improved Section - Alto Saxophone (Michaela Shaw and Jamison Thompson)
Most Improved Person - Jamison Thompson
Director's Award - Alana Adkins
OGHS Band Booster Scholarship - Alana Adkins

On Monday, May 27, choir member Layne Smith will sing the National Anthem at the Chester American Legion and Locust Hill Cemetery, starting at 10 AM. Also on Monday, the band will march in the New Cumberland Memorial Day Parade at 1 PM.

During the last week of school, the band will begin preparing music for the halftime show in the fall while the choir starts preparing music for non-concert performances for the start of the 2024 school year.

Congratulations to all graduating senior members of the chorus and band who have dedicated four years of their time and talents to the music classes and ensembles at OGHS - Alana Adkins, Savannah Dulaney, Geraldine Shafer, Michaela Shaw, and Tessa Snider.

2024 Choir Members
Katelyn Barnhart, Victoria Oliveros, Ella Paras, Geraldine Shafer, Alexa Shaw, Dillon Springer, Layne Smith, Tessa Snider, Gavin Swiger, Bonnie Webber

2023-24 Band Members
Alana Adkins, Jaylen Barbe, Jeannine Cain, Kaylee Culbreth, Corbin Deremer, Savannah Dulaney, Christian Francis, Lyndon Graf, Nate Groetzinger, Lilianna Hughes, Alex Marchese, Conner McElroy, Thomas Moore, Adyson Parsons, Michaela Shaw, Tessa Snider, Tori Snider, Jamison Thompson, Madelyn Thompson, Donald Vantilburg, Lizanna Wimberley, Noah Wright

Congratulations to Alex Marchese on an excellent performance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall on Tuesday night! This year's Student Side-by-Side with the PSO included students from 30 high schools across southwestern Pennsylvania and two schools in West Virginia. Additionally, Alex was selected to share in an on-stage interview with the Conductor of the PSO during the concert. Alex represented Oak Glen with distinction. Way to go Alex! We are so proud of you!

The WV All-State Band and WV All-State Chorus presented spectacular performances on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 on the Clay Center stage in Charleston. After two days of intense rehearsals, both ensembles performed challenging works including collegiate-level music, rousing the crowds to standing ovations. Students Alex Marchese (tuba), Madelyn Thompson (clarinet), Ella Paras (soprano 1), and Alexa Shaw (Alto 1) represented Oak Glen High School and Hancock County with distinction!

https://beavmedia.square.site/

Alexa Shaw, Alex Marchese, Madalyn Thompson, Ella Parras

They will be performing at the WV Music Educators Conference in Charleston on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024.

Congratulations to Alex Marchese for being selected as a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Side-by-Side program! This program allows high school students to rehearse and perform alongside members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra who play their instruments. These students are selected through a competitive application process and receive individual coaching from the PSO musicians, participate in full orchestra rehearsals, and work with other student musicians from various other school districts. The students will perform a free concert on April 9 with the full orchestra on the Heinz Hall stage. Tickets are required (general seating). Contact the box office for tickets at 412-392-4900.

Congratulations to Alex Marchese, Savannah Dulaney, and Madelyn Thompson for an amazing performance at this year's Region I Honor Band!

All State Band hopefuls Kaylee Culbreth, Savannah Dulaney, Madelyn Thompson, and Alex Marchese auditioned along with hundreds of other WV students in Charleston today working to earn a chair in the WV All-State Band.

We're proud of our outstanding Oak Glen Students!

Congratulations to Savannah Dulaney on her performance with the West Liberty University Band on Wednesday night! She joined Oak Glen alums Lydia Dibiagio and Shea Wimberley for an amazing concert!

Edison Band Show "Tearin' Up the Turf XVIII

Savannah Dulaney, Alana Adkins, Tessa Snider, Michaela Shaw

Alana Adkins: Flute

Jaylen Barbe: Trumpet

Jeannine Cain: Clarinet

Kaylee Culbreth: Contralto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet

Corbin Deremer: Contralto Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone

Savannah Dulaney: Flute

Christian Francis: Percussion

Lyndon Graf: Percussion

Nate Groetzinger: Trumpet

Lilianna Hughes: Flute

Alex Marchese: Tuba, Sousaphone

Conner McElroy: Percussion

Thomas Moore: Trombone

Adyson Parsons: Flute

Michaela Shaw: Alto Saxophone

Tessa Snider: Percussion

Tori Snider: Trombone

Jamison Thompson: Alto Saxophone

Madelyn Thompson: Clarinet

Donald Vantilburg: Flute

Lizanna Wimberley: Percussion

Noah Wright: Percussion

Alexa Shaw: Aide