By Teresa Martinez - Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
On May 26 the Belen Jesuit Concert Band won the highest praise of the judges and were awarded Superior First Place at the OrlandoFest Music Competition at Universal Studios.
MIAMI | Receiving the highest praise and a Superior rating from all three judges, the Belen Jesuit Concert Band finished in first place at the OrlandoFest Music Competition.
The competition took place May 25-26 at Universal Studios Orlando, with high school concert bands from all over the country showcasing their talent.
“I am extremely proud of how these students performed as this was the first time ever the concert band has won first place at any competition,” said Band Director Marlene Urbay.
Some of the songs which the concert band performed were the Orpheus Overture by Jacques Offenbach, "What’s Up at the Symphony" which included a mix of songs, and Stevie Wonder in Concert which included an array of some of his greatest hits.
This award comes on the heels of the Belen Jesuit Jazz Band's showing at the Festivals of Music March 23-24 in Chicago. The jazz band was awarded Superior First Place and First Place Overall at the festival.
“Our music program never ceases to amaze us,” said Father Wilfredo García-Tuñón, Belen's president. “What a testament to hard work and dedication. Our music teachers are second to none.”
"Under the direction of Marlene Urbay and the
instruction of our music teachers Jose Urbay, Arnaldo Arencibia, Rey
Guerra, Juan Ledon, Ruben Jimenez, and Ana Ruth Bermudez, our band program has
reached this very competitive level" said Humanities Department Chairperson Sylvie San Juan.
(This article was written by Belen Jesuit Communications Intern Nicolas Roca.)
