A recent concert tour of the Big Apple was a dream come true for Bishop Noll Institute concert band members.
During their New York City visit, the band performed concerts at the Carnegie Hall complex, on the flight deck of the USS Intrepid and in historic Rockefeller Center and Trump Tower. The students also saw a performance of “Phantom of the Opera,” on Broadway and took in other musical sites such as the statue of George M. Cohen, father of the Broadway musical, and John Lennon’s memorial in Central Park.
“It was an experience that I will remember all of my life,” said junior Phillip Reyes, of East Chicago. “I am a huge Beatles fan and got to see where John Lennon lived and saw his memorial.”
Students also experienced a two-hour one-on-one clinic with conductor for the New York Philharmonic Michael Adelson. They toured the 9/11 museum and reflecting pools at the footprints of the old World Trade Center buildings and toured historic Radio City Music Hall.
Freshman Abigail Wojtaszek, of Hammond, was inspired by the city.
“The band trip to New York City will easily be one of the most memorable parts of my freshman year,” she said. “I loved going to see ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway. It was a dream come true. Seeing Radio City Music Hall was astounding and I was thrilled to sit in that theater. The trip may have been a bit exhausting but it was truly worth it all in the end.”
Junior Maria Reyes, of East Chicago, also enjoyed the Broadway experience.
“New York was amazing,” she said. “I fell in love with the city scene and Times Square was breathtaking at night. One of my favorite moments had to have been seeing ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ Not only do I love band, I love the theater arts as well. It was amazing to be able to see and hear both of my favorite things work together to put on an outstanding show.”
The Bishop Noll band program is a true pre-college experience for Bishop Noll students, said band director Rocco Carioto.
“Every other year we either perform at a college bowl game or put together a concert band tour to a famous music historical area of our country,” he said. The trip to New York was financially supported by fundraisers as well as donations from many parents and Bishop Noll alumni. “Our students get to experience so many life changing performances. This tour was more than just about performing concerts. It was about being in a city that is known as the musical mecca of the world.
The students were great ambassadors for Bishop Noll, Northwest Indiana, their families and their communities, he said.
“These kids showed everyone the best side of what we can do and can achieve and can be by working together, respecting each other and being great stewards of our history and our country while sharing their great musical talents with others. It was a great tour and they did everyone proud.”