By Paul Valenti ‘23
RAMSEY, NJ — On April 25, 2023, the Don Bosco Prep Chorus, String Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Concert Band performed at the Music Department’s annual Spring Concert held in DeSales Auditorium. They were joined by a number of student-musicians from Mary Help of Christians Academy, our sister school in North Haledon.
The evening began with a rendition of the National Anthem, and afterwards, the combined chorus of DBP and MHCA took the stage. Conducted by Mrs. Toni Bilotti Cecere, they sang “Ubi Caritas”, followed by “All of Me”, “Bring Me Little Water Sylvie” (MHCA choir alone), and the upbeat tune “My Girl”.
Next was the String Orchestra conducted by Mr. Gary Cecere. Joined by a number of violinists from MHCA, they performed three pieces. First was the traditional hymn “Simple Gifts”, followed by “Music of the Night” from the renowned musical Phantom of the Opera. Finally, the String Orchestra performed “Amadeus” from the movie Amadeus.
The Guitar Ensemble was next to take the stage. Led by Mr. Cecere, they performed Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”, the classic “Habanera” from the opera Carmen, “When I’m Sixty-Four” by the Beatles, and their final piece “Time In A Bottle”.
The fourth group to perform that evening was the Jazz Band, again conducted by Mr. Cecere. They performed just two pieces: “Blue Bossa” by Joe Henderson and “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock.
After the Jazz Band, there was a Senior tribute for Bosco’s twelve graduating musicians: AJ Anderson (drums), Aaron Baluyot (trumpet), Phillip Bang (viola), John Bellantoni (guitar), Richard Black (trombone), Shane Daniel (Chorus), Jinwon Jang (violin), Liam Nye (drums), John Pakalnietis (saxophone), Jonathan Sarkar (guitar), Apostolos Theodoropoulos (cello), and Paul Valenti (violin). The twelve Seniors each received a pin, and in turn, they presented Mr. and Mrs. Cecere with a bouquet of flowers.
Afterwards, the Concert Band, consisting of the Jazz Band and String Orchestra, took the stage for the final songs of the night. They first performed “Birdland”, followed by a medley of pieces from Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones. The last song of the concert was a rendition of the theme from James Bond.
Overall, the musicians from both DBP and MHCA performed wonderfully, and it was both a pleasure to hear the music and an honor to help perform it. Although this is my final year at Bosco, I know that the Music Department is in good hands with Mr. and Mrs. Cecere, and I know that our musicians will continue to play excellently for years to come.