F.C.J. SECONDARY SCHOOL
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The F.C.J. Secondary School Band visited the United States from February 11 - 18, 2005 as guests of the Music Department at the Mount Saint Charles Academy, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Below is their concert schedule, a review of the February 13 program by concert attendee Barbara Lawson, and photos from the February 13 and 16 concerts.
SUNDAY, 13th February at 7:30 pm
WEDNESDAY, 16th February at 7:30 pm
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Mount Saint Charles Academy - School Gym
Mount Saint Charles Academy - Chapel Hall
THURSDAY, 17th February at 7:00 pm -
Blackstone Valley Jazz Festival
Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center - Woonsocket, RI
Music Activities
February 2005
MORE PHOTOS
1st half : The American Band
2nd half: F.C.J. Band & Traditional Musicians & Dancers
1st half : The Mount Band
2nd half: F.C.J. Band & Traditional Musicians & Dancers
Only the Traditional Musicians played
My mother and I were honored and delighted to be able to attend the FCJ Bunclody band concert at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket last week. We first heard the band when they visited there in 2001 with Anthony Kearns. It was this experience that made us so happy when the Music Fund was created, not only as a way to show Anthony our gratitude in a productive way, but also because we were so taken with the FCJ Bunclody family.
We are fortunate to live less than an hour from Woonsocket and had really looked forward to the band's return visit. My fourteen year old nephew, Tyler, went with us to the concert as well, since he is in his high school band, and has followed Anthony's career right along with us, attending seven concerts over the years. He really enjoyed the whole evening, and was very happy to meet everyone.
It was so great of Mount Saint Charles to give that official musical welcome from the school a capella group doing "Rockin' in the USA." You could tell that the Bunclody kids really got a kick out that and so did we.
The band is even better (and bigger, I believe!) than they were four years ago and it was a thrill to hear them again. In addition to enjoying the music, this time we had a feeling of pride as well. And those who know me will not be surprised to hear that I was teary-eyed throughout the entire evening! The concert band was great, as were the kids who came down and played the traditional Irish music on "traditional instruments". I particulalry loved the slow air.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Clare Kavanagh laid down her saxophone and came forward to sing a medley from Les Misérables. She hadn't sung three bars when Mom and I turned to look at each other in amazement as we both thought the same thing -- what do they put in the drinking water at that school?! It was no stretch of the imagination to picture her singing someday in the future with a fellow Bunclody alumnus.
It was wonderful to meet Eileen Martin, F.C.J. School secretary and Band administrator. She just glows with goodwill and pride in her school. And it was nice to see that four more years of life had definitely not taken any wind out of Band director Gearoid Grant's sails! If he's ever in need of other employment, he could do stand-up comedy without missing a beat. It was so much fun to see him again.
Special thanks to Cilla Horst, for without her leadership, our support of the Anthony Kearns Music Fund would not be possible. Thanks also go out to all of the contributors to the Music Fund throughout the years. I wish that you all could have shared that special evening with us, to see and hear the wonderful work that the Music Fund is supporting. So! Remember the next time you feel swept away by the magic in Anthony's voice and want to give something back -- the Music Fund is the perfect way to do that.
F.C.J. Bunclody Band, 150 members strong, plays to a SRO audience!
F.C.J. Band members play Traditional Irish Music on traditional instruments.
This beautiful wooden plaque (handmade by Marc Blanchette in his basement workshop) was presented to Gearóid Grant at the conclusion of the concert. The Claddagh symbolizes the friendship, loyalty and love shared by MSC (Mount Saint Charles) and FCJ (Faithful Companions of Jesus).
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Review of February 13 Concert
by
Barbara Lawson
