Mt. Carmel School hosts first virtual concert

Mount Carmel School’s Concert Band held a virtual concert on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, MCS faculty member Julian Greening facilitated a creative way to keep students safe and engaged through music and virtual platforms. To learn more about Mount Carmel School, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (MCS)

On Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, Mount Carmel School’s Concert Band held its first virtual concert led by band director Julian Greening. Throughout the Summer, Greening worked closely with students in Mount Carmel School’s Concert Band and their families to coordinate and edit the concert.

The online event began by showing performances in the past year. The performances included a rendition of the Mount Carmel School’s alma mater song to collaborations with schools around the island and as far as Japan.

To ensure students and families were safe, Greening held virtual training sessions with his students and worked with them to submit pre-recorded videos to assemble as one whole ensemble. The songs performed included crowd favorites from Disney’s “Aladdin” to modern classics like “Regal March” by Chuck Elledge. Part of the virtual concert included one of the student’s favorites called, “Paprika” by Foorin, a popular Japanese song that the MCS concert band adapted for their performance.

Mount Carmel School parent, Dr. Jennifer Marirtita shared, “The band performed in Guam and received the silver award just days before the shut down of the pandemic. We didn’t really have an opportunity to reflect and celebrate as safety and virtual delivery of education became a priority.” Maratita added, “I have to admit, I got tearful watching the band play together via Zoom during the summer. It was emotional for me, and resonated this symbolism of resilience. How our kiddos continue to connect and the importance of these relationships. During these very difficult times, these kids continued to have an outlet to celebrate their passion in music.”

For his part, Greening was very eager to showcase the students’ talents. “I’m very proud of our students for being so adaptable during this pandemic. We lost a chance to do a Spring Concert in May, so I wanted to create an opportunity for a performance and make it available for the people.”

Maritita particularly appreciated Greening’s efforts. “I want to thank Mr. Greening for his creativity and continuing to connect with our kids throughout these past months after the pandemic. It has really meant a lot to us, and inspired our younger son to enroll in band for the first time this school year.”

Mount Carmel School president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, echoed Maritita’s sentiments. “When Mr. Greening presented the idea of hosting a virtual concert, it just added to the list of why our work as educators is so important.” He continued, “What makes our work all the more meaningful is that our students want to grow and continue excelling in their passions. I am extremely proud of the hard work our faculty and our students continue to put forth despite this pandemic and time of uncertainty. To me, they truly embody what it means to be Knights Strong.”

Moving forward during this pandemic, Greening wants to host more virtual concerts to keep students engaged and active through their passion for music.

For more information about Mount Carmel School, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (PR)