Teamwork and support prove instrumental to band's success

By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LOWELLVILLE -- Dedicated students and the support of school administrators, parents and the community are ingredients to ensure a high school band program will go places.
That combination also might be instrumental in helping a high school band break a longtime dry spell -- to the tune of 43 years.
Before the band's performance at a state adjudicated event April 29 at Massillon Perry High School in Massillon, the last time Lowellville High School's band made it that far was in the early 1960s. In addition to reaching the state level, the band, with about 70 students, came home with the highest rating of one, which is considered superior.
Superior state effort
At the show, the students played three songs before a panel of three judges, each of whom issued a score based on technical ability, intonation, musical expression and other criteria. Nineteen high school bands from across Ohio made it to the state event, and Lowellville's was one of only four to earn the superior rating.
Before advancing that far, a band has to receive a superior rating at the district level, something the Lowellville students did as part of an event March 18 at Lakeview High School in Cortland.
Their accomplishment at state was made possible by a combination of the right chemistry, commitment and compassion, several students said.
"We were nervous when we were [at state], but it was unbelievable when we did what we had to do," explained Caitlin Dorney, a senior who plays flute.
"We worked hard all year," added senior Samantha Deblasio, a clarinetist. "It was very emotional and exciting, and people [at home] welcomed us back."
Before their trek to Massillon, one challenge band members faced was rehearsing the same material for months yet keeping it sounding fresh, recalled seniors Carmen Jamis and Elizabeth Sweet, who play clarinet and French horn, respectively.
Band director's praise
The four seniors pointed out that the band's success also was the result of teamwork, as well as an emphasis on playing with expression and emotion. The girls praised their band director, Bob Antonucci, for what they said was his ability to inspire and lead the program.
Caitlin said she plans to attend Baldwin-Wallace College near Cleveland in the fall and that she's been accepted into its marching band program. Carmen said she intends to play this summer in Lowellville's Mount Carmel Band.
Antonucci, who also directs a band for pupils in grades seven and eight at Lowellville K-12 School, said the facility's music program has become more popular in recent years.
"The music program here has really taken off. I'm happy with the direction things are going," he added.
Antonucci praised parents, school officials and area residents for getting behind the program and said he's proud of his students' accomplishments that took them to the state event.
"The judges don't look at the size of your school; they look at the music and how you play it," Antonucci pointed out.
The Lowellville High School band's next performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the school, 52 Rocket Place, off state Route 289. The event is free.