Providence Catholic Music Students Earn 66 Superior Awards

NEW LENOX, IL — At the IHSA Solo and Ensemble competition in music earlier this month, Providence Catholic music students earned 66 Superior awards and four Excellent awards in addition to three performances selected as Best of Day.

“That means of all the students judged by our site judges, those chosen ‘Best of Day’ were the best they heard!” Dr. Stacy Eckert, Director of Choirs, Liturgical Music and Theatre, said in a release. “I also have to say I am so extremely proud of the two vocal choirs. They never rehearsed together prior to filming the video entry. That night was the first night any of them had sung together in a year - and they received Superiors!”

Marching Celtics band members had 12 solos and percussion ensemble, the school said. Choir had four solos as well as three duets: the treble ensemble of Chloe LaBine and Isabella Markel; treble ensemble of Paige Shepherd and Cecilia Santschi; mixed ensemble of Chloe LaBine and Adam Jostes. There were also two vocal choirs consisting of the members of the Singing Celtics and the Honors Choir.

“We are extremely proud of these students,” Lawrence Rogers, Director of Bands, said in a release. “For a year where performances and rehearsals faced more hurdles than ever before, these students have put in an incredible amount of work to compete. To have such success in such a different year is something we are just so proud of and grateful for.”

Students recognized included:

Best of Day

Clay Olsen (Marimba)
Percussion Choir
Michael Melei (Trombone)

Superior Awards

Abigail Pintoy (Clarinet)
Alicia Berg (Alto Saxophone)
Anna Bruno (Treble Solo)
Aubrey Kranz (Tenor Saxophone)
The Singing Celtics and Honors Vocal Choirs
Caden Baudek (Bassoon)
Clay Olsen (Marimba)
The Percussion Choir
Kate Davison (Flute)
Mixed Ensemble
Treble Ensemble
Michael Melei (Trombone)
Nathan Pugh (Bass Solo)
Nick Pugh (Bass Solo)
Sarah McCarthy (Flute)
Sebastian Ramirez (Bass Solo)
Treble Ensemble

Excellent Awards

James Baumhardt (Baritone/Euphonium)
Noah Kelleher (Cornet Trumpet or Flugelhorn)
Sam Connors (Snare Drum)
Wyatt Goorsky (Snare Drum)

Eckert said usually students would rehearse music and songs they have chosen, and go to a host school and perform a judge. However, this year, everything was recorded and submitted to judges.