Practice Makes Perfect: A Look Inside the Brand New BPAC
By Francis De La Fuente, Staff Writer
For a long, long time, the Moreau band and orchestra programs have been tied to the “Band Room,” an isolated space hiding above the lobby to the main gym, housing the entire band program. However, since last year, a brand new project has been under construction right next to Garin Hall. The Brother Donald Performing Arts Center (BPAC) had its ribbon-cutting on October 4 and has now become the new home for everything band and orchestra.
With the advent of the new building, I was able to interview the leaders of the band after school to learn their thoughts on the BPAC and the band program as a whole. These veterans have the most experience with the instruments they play, having been in the program since freshman year.
One sentiment the leads collectively shared was that they were very excited for a new space in which to perform. Taking a right turn from the entrance of the BPAC, listeners will find themselves in the new performance hall, which contains both audience seating and ample space to accommodate the entire orchestra.
Senior and lead trumpet Carlotta Dillon said, “I think I’m looking forward to the new performance base because it seems like it’s gonna be a different vibe with us being closer to and more visible to the audience. I’m really excited to play, especially in the jazz ensemble.”
Not only does the BPAC provide a new space for MCHS musicians to perform, but it also provides new spaces to practice. The performance hall features two ensemble rooms and a sunlit lobby perfect for group rehearsals and practices.
Senior and lead tenor saxophone Mark Ethan Ramos said, “It’s not only just having the new appearance and the new looks of the BPAC, It’s about just having it be able to provide the services that we need and more of a comfortable space that we can adjust to whatever we want and need.”
Whether it’s Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble, all of these students will be hard at work to hone their skills. Just having a strong lead player isn’t enough to make a strong band; every lead has a section of students they guide and help grow as musicians. There are several standout musicians whom the lead musicians acknowledged.
Senior and lead violin Ankita Turlipati said “Senior Max Decena is a really good player, and he’s also a good soloist. There’s [sophomore] Stuthi Pemmaraju. She will have to fill in some pretty big shoes next year, being the lead of the entire section. Or it could be [junior] Luke Allen as well. He’s also mostly self-taught. He got really good last year. He was upgraded from second to first immediately.”
Senior and lead flute Roy Cardenas said, “I shout out [senior] Nick Cheong. That’s my day one in band because we’ve been playing since fourth grade together.”
“Okay, I can’t pick. I want I shout out to everyone,” says senior and lead alto Aline Doan. “I know everyone is really hardworking, like, from the years before, I’ve seen, and this year coming together when we lost so many League players last year, I just want to shout out to everyone.”
With the band program now fully settled into the BPAC, get ready to hear more and more vibrant music while passing by. The winter band concert, “A Most Wonderful Christmas,” is happening December 4 and 5, not only presenting Christmas music, but a multitude of bright pieces to mark the holiday season. Make sure to check out and enjoy this sneak peek at a song from the concert’s setlist called “We Wish You a Klezmer Christmas!”