VIDEO UPDATE: District Band Concert a Medley of Greatest Hits

Geneva Community School District 304 "proudly" presented its District Band Concert on Thursday at Geneva High School, and had every reason for the operative adverb.

Geneva fifth-graders had an opportunity to play for a huge audience and to combine with all three high school bands for a spectacular rendition of Buglars' Dream and Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

The talent of these kids is phenomenal, and it's hard not to drop your jaw at the level and quality of the performances.

Prior to the grand finale, the Combined Fifth Grade Bands performed Procession of Heroes, Canon, Danza Africana and March of the Romans.

GHS Concert Band performed The Star of Dreams and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

GHS Symphonic Band performed Rush and The Liberty Bell.

GHS Wind Symphony performed Incantation and Dance and The Music of Disneyland.

One of the most telling—and inspiring—parts of the program wasn't the music. A lot of parents of fifth-graders just starting in music are concerned about the commitment their kids will be making, including giving up study hall time.

To put parents at ease, High School Band Director Pat Frederick asked for a show of hands from the high school bands.

How many had never once had a study hall, in middle school or high school? Virtually all the hands went up.

How many were on the honor roll? Almost the same number of hands.

How many have participated in sports or clubs or other extracurricular activitities? The full contingent, again.

How many had done volunteer work, either at school or a religious organization?

You get the picture.

It's a testimony to the hard work of the kids, the involvement of parents and teachers, and of the music programs in Geneva's schools. And in a world that sometimes seems loaded with hardship and bad news, it gives all of us a very good reason to celebrate and feel optimistic about the future.

Like the music they played, these students make our hearts sing.

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