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    Band students from Drums and Freeland Elementary Middle Schools attended the Marywood University Jr Honors Band Celebration in December. They were among over 200 of the top middle school musicians from Northeast PA selected to rehearse and perform a concert for the public. Each student had to audition for placement in one of three bands that rehearsed both days for the Saturday night concert. The students had the opportunity to work with a nationally recognized band directors to present challenging music on the stage of the Sette LaVerghetta Performing Arts Center. Students pictured from left to right are Sophia Carsia, 7th grade flute from Freeland EMS, Giana Howe, 8th grade clarinet, Drums EMS, and Caylee Sterling, 7th grade flute, Freeland EMS. They were nominated by their band director, Neil Forte.
     
     
    bandfest2022
    Drums and Freeland Band students attended the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 Band Fest on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Hazleton Area High School. They were among 244 of the top elementary and middle school musicians from Northeast PA, selected to rehearse and perform a concert for the public. Each student had to be selected by their band director for placement in one of two bands that rehearsed all day for the Friday night concert. Students from left to right: Jayden Yann, 8th grade percussion, Drums EMS, Althea Ulanoski, 5th grade oboe, Drums EMS, Addison Bobrowski, 6th grade trumpet, Drums EMS, Isabella Ciavarella, 6th grade clarinet, Drums EMS, and Josephine Polly, 7th grade trumpet, Freeland EMS. They had the opportunity to work guest conductors Kristen Maloney from Archdiocese of Washington DC and Al Shimkus from Notre Dame High School of Easton Pennsylvania. Neil Forte is their band director at Drums and Freeland and serves as President of PMEA District 9.