"I have had so many good experiences in O'Hara's band program from freezing on the bleachers to playing in front of hundreds of others in parades and the showcases we participate in. This band challenges you to do your best at music and academics. The extracurricular activities they offer also provide a good opportunity to make the most of your talents. I personally am in the Jazz Band and the pep drumline. Our proctors for Jazz Band and pep drumline, Mr. Lombardelli and Mr. O’Shea, have put aside their own personal time to provide a warm and welcoming environment. They help anyone willing to learn a separate music genre for all to enjoy. And that goes for the band staff as a whole, which has been nothing but welcoming. When I was a freshman, the staff put as much effort into making the band a fun and enjoyable time as they did with helping beginners and veterans to thrive in the music space. Not to mention the other students you get to work with. The band is and has always been there for me. In band, you will start friendships that last a lifetime alongside the musical part of the band. The events prove to be a bonding experience for everyone who participates, and the concerts allow for the school and our parents to witness our achievements throughout the year." - Jason Creelman, ’23
"When someone takes interests in the music industry, the Band and Guard is obviously for them. When it comes to playing the drums or playing the clarinet, we will have the students playing like professionals. During our classes, we prepare these students for their music careers. Our teachers are the best at giving us what we need to play our instruments. While doing Guard, we dance our hearts out while staying in tune with the Band. Band and Guard can be for anyone, only if you put the patience and effort for joining. This testimonial might be short, but it’s valuable to those reading this. Joining the Band and Guard can improve the level of playing we do every single year. So join us and be a part our Band and Guard." - Christina Palmer, ’23
"Throughout the couple years I have been at Cardinal O’Hara High School, band was always my favorite class to be in, and it still remains that way. Everyone plays a big role, and no one is left out. One of my favorite things we do in band is the half-time show at the football games. I like it because we are all playing as one, and we all sound great together. The main reason I like band is because everyone is so welcoming and kind, especially to the new freshman, and everyone creates such a positive atmosphere. I remember my freshman year going to band camp; everyone was so nice and welcomed me with open arms, and treated me like a friend. When I graduate, band will definitely be the class I will miss the most, but I will never forget it." - Sara Tercha, ‘22
"When looking for where I would like to go to high school, I knew I would love O’Hara, especially the band program. I’ve enjoyed my experience in the band over the past years, particularly the extracurricular activities and performances. During my time at O’Hara, I’ve been in the 8th period band class as well as the Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Community Band, participated in the All-Catholic Band and have been a Band Officer. One of my favorite things to perform at are the football games during the fall season because I think that they are a great way to socialize with my fellow classmates outside of the classroom and to have fun performing. I also enjoy the extracurricular activities like the Pit Orchestra and the Jazz Band because they are great opportunities to learn new and different types of music and on a more technical level. Another thing that I like about the band at O’Hara is the friends I’ve made along the way and the memories I’ve made. The band is more than just a bunch of kids. We’re a team, a family, and I’m grateful that I am a part of it." - Natalie Doyle, ‘22
"The band has always been one of my favorite parts about attending O’Hara; because of it, I can confidently say that I’ve improved a lot as a musician since my freshman year. With a learning environment where everyone can be serious yet never hesitant to make a joke, it serves as an enjoyable way to end my day at school, which may have been stressful for one reason or another. It has allowed me to form friendships with many of my classmates, who all share the same interest in creating and playing music. I especially love the extracurricular ensembles that I’m a part of, like the pep drumline and jazz band, which always challenge me in ways that feel genuinely rewarding when I’m able to play something well." - Abby Loyson, ‘22
"At the Cardinal O'Hara Band, I found not only a place to be free to practice music, but also a family. The friendships and memories I made at the Cardinal O'Hara Band will stay with me for the rest of my life. Whether it was honing drills at marching band or late night performances with the jazz band, there was always a friendly face to laugh with. Overall, I will always remember this wonderful and wacky family I got adopted into." - Sean Creelman, ‘21
"Over the three years I was in the Cardinal O’Hara band, I have never once felt excluded from activities. I have met some amazing friends that share my interest in music and some pretty awesome teachers too. Our performances during the football games and the various concerts were some of the best times I've had; they always leave you with a sense of accomplishment. As my senior year is coming to an end, the only thing I regret at my four years at O’Hara is not joining the band during my freshman year." - Joshua Kim, ‘21
"The Cardinal O’Hara Band has continually uplifted my day throughout my high school years. It was a revolving door of excitement. For I’ve learned to become both a better student and a musician through timely performances, guided lessons, and camaraderie that comes with long practices. No matter where life takes me, I know that I can always look back at the O’Hara Band as a place of lasting friendships and knowledge." - Evelyn Richards, ‘21
"My first experience as an O’Hara student was going to band camp my freshman year - it was the first time I was away from home for an extended period of time and the first time I ever played an instrument while moving. I was fairly new to the idea of being in a marching band - I’d already been playing the trumpet in numerous concert and jazz bands. I also remember being a little confused as to why not everyone in my cabin had an instrument - some had flags. For about a year, I thought you couldn’t march an instrument and be in the color guard at the same time, and when I found out you could, I thought it was too late to join (p.s. it’s never too late to join). By the end of my senior year, I had been in the marching, concert, and jazz bands for all four years, the pit orchestra in the school’s show for three years, part of the All-Catholic Band three times, (two as a trumpet player, one as a euphonium), represented the school as part of the American Music Abroad Bronze Tour’s bands, and competed in the indoor color guard for two years (with a sprained ankle as a parting gift). There are so many memories from those years (band camps, concerts, festivals, parades, competitions, Phillies games...), I would need an entire book to write them down. Those experiences made me want to continue music into college, and even though I didn’t major in it, it was still a part of my life and still is." - Corinne Alfano, ‘15
"As an awkward teenager filled with angst and self-doubt, band was the one place where I felt safe. It is a place where students of all walks of life come together to share a creative experience and something magical. It doesn’t matter whether you are a straight-A student, a jock, a social outcast, or just someone wanting to belong. Band is a place where everyone comes together and wants to try to be part of something bigger than themselves. You may be a great musician or just want to learn. In order for the ensemble to succeed, everyone needs to do their part. There is nothing like the feeling of practicing and nailing a great performance. Whether it is a seasonal concert, a parade, a smaller ensemble, or just a great lesson experience. Band allows every student to experience that success. When I dealt with personal struggles, it was my band teacher and my fellow students who helped me through. Many are still lifelong friends and for our shared experiences and enduring friendships, I am eternally grateful. Your skill as a great athlete only lasts so long. Friends may come and go. Youthful looks may fade. But music is the gift that lasts a lifetime." - Joseph Reitano, ‘89
"When I think back on my days in the Cardinal O'Hara marching and concert band, I first think of the lifelong friendships I made. As a 9th grader, I got to attend Band Camp the Summer before school started and I was introduced to over 200 fellow Lions from all different grade levels. There is no bond like the band kid bond! I love that my husband and I share that experience and all those memories." - Eileen Vice, ‘89
"I played the baritone horn in the O'Hara Band from 1969 to 1973. We did not have a band room, so we practiced in the hallways, the auditorium or wherever we found space. Band was all extracurricular, so lessons and practices were held after school in rooms above the stage. Our teachers were working musicians. Mr. Genovese, who wrote O’Hara’s school song, was our band conductor. He played trombone professionally in Philadelphia shows and at the former Valley Forge Music Fair. Our marching band was accompanied by the O'Hara Girls, a drill line of dancers (no flags). In 1970, we won the coveted Pennsylvania Military College Marching Band Competition and our moderator Father (now Monsignor) D'Addezio bought us Hungry A cheesesteaks as a reward. It was also around this time that our band made a professionally-recorded album of our concert music that was sold in O’Hara’s school store! The male members of the band made extra money playing music for the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade Fancy Division. While women at that time were not allowed to be Mummers, we were all able to play in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parades which were some of my favorite times in the band. We had to be at O'Hara at 6 a.m. and ready to march at 7 a.m. No matter how much long-underwear we wore, the wind whipped through our band uniforms. It was freezing but it was fun! We also played at football games and performed concerts. I LOVED being in the O’Hara band! I later graduated from Temple University and became a newspaper reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2004, I wrote a story on a local community band and they invited me to join them. I gave it a try and loved it! Playing in that group led me to play free concerts in nursing homes. That led to my making a career change in 2007 and to start a music-based business that has won 7 national awards. I've written 2 books, earned 3 national healthcare certifications and been a convention speaker at healthcare events in 30 states and Canada. You never ever know where playing in the O'Hara Band will lead you!" - Gloria Hoffner, ‘73
"When someone takes interests in the music industry, the Band and Guard is obviously for them. When it comes to playing the drums or playing the clarinet, we will have the students playing like professionals. During our classes, we prepare these students for their music careers. Our teachers are the best at giving us what we need to play our instruments. While doing Guard, we dance our hearts out while staying in tune with the Band. Band and Guard can be for anyone, only if you put the patience and effort for joining. This testimonial might be short, but it’s valuable to those reading this. Joining the Band and Guard can improve the level of playing we do every single year. So join us and be a part our Band and Guard." - Christina Palmer, ’23
"Throughout the couple years I have been at Cardinal O’Hara High School, band was always my favorite class to be in, and it still remains that way. Everyone plays a big role, and no one is left out. One of my favorite things we do in band is the half-time show at the football games. I like it because we are all playing as one, and we all sound great together. The main reason I like band is because everyone is so welcoming and kind, especially to the new freshman, and everyone creates such a positive atmosphere. I remember my freshman year going to band camp; everyone was so nice and welcomed me with open arms, and treated me like a friend. When I graduate, band will definitely be the class I will miss the most, but I will never forget it." - Sara Tercha, ‘22
"When looking for where I would like to go to high school, I knew I would love O’Hara, especially the band program. I’ve enjoyed my experience in the band over the past years, particularly the extracurricular activities and performances. During my time at O’Hara, I’ve been in the 8th period band class as well as the Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Community Band, participated in the All-Catholic Band and have been a Band Officer. One of my favorite things to perform at are the football games during the fall season because I think that they are a great way to socialize with my fellow classmates outside of the classroom and to have fun performing. I also enjoy the extracurricular activities like the Pit Orchestra and the Jazz Band because they are great opportunities to learn new and different types of music and on a more technical level. Another thing that I like about the band at O’Hara is the friends I’ve made along the way and the memories I’ve made. The band is more than just a bunch of kids. We’re a team, a family, and I’m grateful that I am a part of it." - Natalie Doyle, ‘22
"The band has always been one of my favorite parts about attending O’Hara; because of it, I can confidently say that I’ve improved a lot as a musician since my freshman year. With a learning environment where everyone can be serious yet never hesitant to make a joke, it serves as an enjoyable way to end my day at school, which may have been stressful for one reason or another. It has allowed me to form friendships with many of my classmates, who all share the same interest in creating and playing music. I especially love the extracurricular ensembles that I’m a part of, like the pep drumline and jazz band, which always challenge me in ways that feel genuinely rewarding when I’m able to play something well." - Abby Loyson, ‘22
"At the Cardinal O'Hara Band, I found not only a place to be free to practice music, but also a family. The friendships and memories I made at the Cardinal O'Hara Band will stay with me for the rest of my life. Whether it was honing drills at marching band or late night performances with the jazz band, there was always a friendly face to laugh with. Overall, I will always remember this wonderful and wacky family I got adopted into." - Sean Creelman, ‘21
"Over the three years I was in the Cardinal O’Hara band, I have never once felt excluded from activities. I have met some amazing friends that share my interest in music and some pretty awesome teachers too. Our performances during the football games and the various concerts were some of the best times I've had; they always leave you with a sense of accomplishment. As my senior year is coming to an end, the only thing I regret at my four years at O’Hara is not joining the band during my freshman year." - Joshua Kim, ‘21
"The Cardinal O’Hara Band has continually uplifted my day throughout my high school years. It was a revolving door of excitement. For I’ve learned to become both a better student and a musician through timely performances, guided lessons, and camaraderie that comes with long practices. No matter where life takes me, I know that I can always look back at the O’Hara Band as a place of lasting friendships and knowledge." - Evelyn Richards, ‘21
"My first experience as an O’Hara student was going to band camp my freshman year - it was the first time I was away from home for an extended period of time and the first time I ever played an instrument while moving. I was fairly new to the idea of being in a marching band - I’d already been playing the trumpet in numerous concert and jazz bands. I also remember being a little confused as to why not everyone in my cabin had an instrument - some had flags. For about a year, I thought you couldn’t march an instrument and be in the color guard at the same time, and when I found out you could, I thought it was too late to join (p.s. it’s never too late to join). By the end of my senior year, I had been in the marching, concert, and jazz bands for all four years, the pit orchestra in the school’s show for three years, part of the All-Catholic Band three times, (two as a trumpet player, one as a euphonium), represented the school as part of the American Music Abroad Bronze Tour’s bands, and competed in the indoor color guard for two years (with a sprained ankle as a parting gift). There are so many memories from those years (band camps, concerts, festivals, parades, competitions, Phillies games...), I would need an entire book to write them down. Those experiences made me want to continue music into college, and even though I didn’t major in it, it was still a part of my life and still is." - Corinne Alfano, ‘15
"As an awkward teenager filled with angst and self-doubt, band was the one place where I felt safe. It is a place where students of all walks of life come together to share a creative experience and something magical. It doesn’t matter whether you are a straight-A student, a jock, a social outcast, or just someone wanting to belong. Band is a place where everyone comes together and wants to try to be part of something bigger than themselves. You may be a great musician or just want to learn. In order for the ensemble to succeed, everyone needs to do their part. There is nothing like the feeling of practicing and nailing a great performance. Whether it is a seasonal concert, a parade, a smaller ensemble, or just a great lesson experience. Band allows every student to experience that success. When I dealt with personal struggles, it was my band teacher and my fellow students who helped me through. Many are still lifelong friends and for our shared experiences and enduring friendships, I am eternally grateful. Your skill as a great athlete only lasts so long. Friends may come and go. Youthful looks may fade. But music is the gift that lasts a lifetime." - Joseph Reitano, ‘89
"When I think back on my days in the Cardinal O'Hara marching and concert band, I first think of the lifelong friendships I made. As a 9th grader, I got to attend Band Camp the Summer before school started and I was introduced to over 200 fellow Lions from all different grade levels. There is no bond like the band kid bond! I love that my husband and I share that experience and all those memories." - Eileen Vice, ‘89
"I played the baritone horn in the O'Hara Band from 1969 to 1973. We did not have a band room, so we practiced in the hallways, the auditorium or wherever we found space. Band was all extracurricular, so lessons and practices were held after school in rooms above the stage. Our teachers were working musicians. Mr. Genovese, who wrote O’Hara’s school song, was our band conductor. He played trombone professionally in Philadelphia shows and at the former Valley Forge Music Fair. Our marching band was accompanied by the O'Hara Girls, a drill line of dancers (no flags). In 1970, we won the coveted Pennsylvania Military College Marching Band Competition and our moderator Father (now Monsignor) D'Addezio bought us Hungry A cheesesteaks as a reward. It was also around this time that our band made a professionally-recorded album of our concert music that was sold in O’Hara’s school store! The male members of the band made extra money playing music for the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade Fancy Division. While women at that time were not allowed to be Mummers, we were all able to play in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parades which were some of my favorite times in the band. We had to be at O'Hara at 6 a.m. and ready to march at 7 a.m. No matter how much long-underwear we wore, the wind whipped through our band uniforms. It was freezing but it was fun! We also played at football games and performed concerts. I LOVED being in the O’Hara band! I later graduated from Temple University and became a newspaper reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2004, I wrote a story on a local community band and they invited me to join them. I gave it a try and loved it! Playing in that group led me to play free concerts in nursing homes. That led to my making a career change in 2007 and to start a music-based business that has won 7 national awards. I've written 2 books, earned 3 national healthcare certifications and been a convention speaker at healthcare events in 30 states and Canada. You never ever know where playing in the O'Hara Band will lead you!" - Gloria Hoffner, ‘73
Enjoyed your time in the O'Hara Band? We'd love to hear about your experience! If you would like to write a testimonial for this page, please submit one below!
|
|
