On May 19, the Pleasant Valley Intermediate 7th grade band traveled to Southern Lehigh High School to take part in their first-ever adjudication and competition.

The band was evaluated by a pair of expert music educators, including one internationally renowned professor emeritus. In addition to being evaluated based on national standards for music education and performance, they also competed against middle school bands from three states, including a School for Performing Arts.Competing in the middle school band category, the PVI 7th grade band received: the Gold medal for superior performance; Class A Middle School Concert Band First Place trophy award; two special judges awards-one for outstanding trumpet section and the other for outstanding clarinet section; and the overall Grand Champion Award for Middle School concert bands of all categories.So this award winning band will proudly present its Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria under the direction of Mr. Evan Reese. This year's presentation is titled "Past, Present, & Future."Mr. Reese is very excited about this year's concert with special music and several guest appearances.The program begins with "The Star Spangled Banner," leading to the "Pleasant Valley Alma Mater." It will be followed with "Cyberspace Overture," "Northpointe Fantasy," (a selection played at the adjudication) and a medley from "The Phantom of the Opera.""On Wisconsin" will be directed by guest conductor, Mr. Dave Heller, the former middle school band director."Land of a Thousand Dances" and "The Hey Song" will be conducted by PVHS's marching band drum major, Danielle Strunk."The Horse" will be conducted by retired PVHS band director, Mr. Floyd Frisbie.For American heroes, the band will play three moving musical tributes."Lest We Forget" by James Swearingen, will be played in memory of the sacrifices and contributions of heroes from the past and honors those serving today that protect our lives and freedoms."Marches of the Armed Forces" arranged by Michael Sweeney honors the men and women, past and present, who served and serve in the United States Armed Forces."Juno Beach" by John Edmondson was written to commemorate the landing of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division on the beaches of Normandy in World War II, a soul stirring march featuring trumpets and drums.Special recognition will be given to band members that were chosen to represent PVI at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10s annual Intermediate Band and Orchestra Fest in April at the Broughal Middle School in the Bethlehem School District where over 200 seventh and eighth grade student musicians from 33 school districts from a 7-county area participated. They were: Natalia Salmon, bass clarinet; Gabriel Schaefer on French horn; Nicole Selinski on baritone horn; Joseph O'Connor on tenor saxophone.Mr. Reese says that the concert would not be possible without the support and assistance of the PVI administration, Mr. Hicks and custodial staff, 7th grade teachers, the band parents association, PVI PTO, band parents and of course, the students for their hard work and dedication. He also thanks the 5th grade band director, Mr. Bielecki and 6th grade band director, Mrs. Steinmetz (her last performance before she retires) for helping the students reach this level of ability.He hopes everyone will join the band for a night of music.