Two months after band students at Saint Viator arrived back at school to begin
Dr. Stephen Peterson leads Saint Viator band members in a rehearsal clinic
rehearsing in their renovated, state of the art facility, they traveled to the University of Illinois for a two-day experience of college level music performance.
Students did everything from rehearse with its director of bands, and meet with music admissions officers; to attend master classes and performances by the university’s Wind Symphony and its Marching Illini.
Saint Viator students ask questions during a master class
“This was an opportunity to have collegiate instruction — both in an ensemble and individual setting,” says Mr. Vince Genualdi, Saint Viator director of bands and a former drum major with the Marching Illini. “I know their interactions with these accomplished musicians and professors will directly impact their own musicianship and work ethic. It’s a trip we’ll all remember.”
Saint Viator High School completed its $3 million renovation of its fine arts facilities in August, calling it a “transformational project.”
Mr. Vince Genualdi uses technology to help members in Saint Viator’s band tune their instruments
“These new facilities will double the space available to our fine arts students,” said Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president, “and are designed to enrich the quality of our visual arts, musical program and student development.”
Providing well-rounded student development has been at the heart of a Viatorian education since the school’s founding in 1961, as stated in its dedication booklet. One of the school’s founding objectives — beyond faith formation and rigorous academics — was to promote experiences in art, music and drama.