SARASOTA, FL — The award-winning Pine View Band program enjoyed a very successful year, despite continued challenges due to the pandemic. The five PV Band groups – and the students’ parents – were thrilled to enjoy live spring concerts in the Pine View auditorium in late May.
During the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band performances, 24 graduating seniors were recognized for their dedication to the Band program. Additionally, two seniors in each group were accorded special honors by PV Band Director Victor Mongillo.
In the Wind Ensemble, Meagan Michalik and Noah Kunkel received the John Philip Sousa Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.
In the Jazz Band, the Louis Armstrong Award was presented to Nicholas Butakow and Caleb McCue, in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character and individual creativity.
The seniors also took the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions that Mongillo and the PV Band program have made to their experience as students and growing young adults. During the Jazz Band concert, Mongillo was presented with a special baton in appreciation of his teaching skills, passion for music, and his role in helping students to discover a lifelong love of music.
“It was such a joy to be able to come together again for our first concerts since the winter of 2019. This year, even with reduced in-person attendance and lost live performance opportunities, our students worked hard, kept a great attitude, and grew as players and people,” said Mongillo. “While I will miss our seniors, I know that the musical and life skills they’ve developed during their time in the Pine View Band program will serve them well in their future adventures.”
During the 2020-2021 school year, two PV Band students (Julian Chauhan and Carson Roland) were selected for the All-State Band; nearly 40 students participated in the Solo and Ensemble program, with 96% receiving a Superior rating; eight high school students and five middle school students were selected for All-County Honor Band; and, while there was no band trip, the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band entered the Virtual Heritage Festival Competition in April. Out of all of the participating groups, two tied for top honors, the Outstanding Band Award: Pine View’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.
For more on the Pine View Band program, visit pineviewband.com.