Seniors Cap Challenging Year With Final Concerts

McKeesport Area High School announces annual music awards

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
June 04, 2021
Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News

Correction: This article was corrected after publication to fix a misspelled name. We apologize for the error. —JT

Senior members of the McKeesport Area High School Choir gather for their final spring concert on May 11. (Submitted photo)

Twenty-seven McKeesport Area High School seniors — some even participating in all three music ensembles — performed their final band, choir and orchestra concerts to culminate a challenging year during a pandemic.

The choir concert was May 11, while band and orchestra performed May 13.

Although practices, classes, and performances definitely were different than in the past for the students and their directors, some shared reflections of how they overcame the obstacles.

Three seniors receive awards annually for outstanding contributions, while a fourth is presented with a scholarship in honor of a long-time McKeesport Area High School music teacher and band director who passed away in 2017.

Senior band members celebrate their spring concert on May 13. (Submitted photo)

For the Class of 2021, recipients are Austin Doc McGrew, the John Philip Sousa Award; Alexa Krznaric, National School Orchestra Award; Tayler Cleveland, National School Choir Award; and Taylor Montalbano, the Karen L. Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Award.

McGrew said “Block M March” was his favorite number “because of the high physical demand and the rich history of the piece. Being in a leadership role and being able to help others I will miss the most.”

Krznaric said she will miss being supported by her orchestra and band ensembles classes and playing so many different pieces over the years, and being a section leader.

“The COVID year was definitely different, but not entirely. Things that were different – we couldn’t share stands, couldn’t travel to perform in the fall, limit contact, so that was upsetting for sure. Otherwise, things were still enjoyable and I’m grateful that I got to have a senior year.”

Taylor Montalbano (Submitted photo)

Deven Kohl and Alexa Krznaric (Submitted photo)

Montalbano, who was in all three music ensembles and won the scholarship, said, “It has been very difficult but I’ve managed to overcome it with all of my ensembles such as marching band being so far apart this year. I will miss the people because I love everyone and have forged such great bonds with friends.

She said she also liked playing “Block M” because it is a great tradition that goes back 50 years. In orchestra, she said her favorite piece was “Remember Me,” their senior number.

An alumni song, “Wake Awake,” was the favorite of senior choir member Cara Brdar.

“It always makes me happy to see the alumni and hear such a wonderful sound from our group,” she said. “It is really hard to sing with a mask on, but it is worth it and I was able to overcome it.”

“New World” was the favorite number for Deven Kohl in the orchestra concert, because “we are living in a new world. This year was definitely different. We all had to wear masks and nobody had stand partners. Everyone was on their own island.”

The directors also provided insight about their groups.

Choir director Beth Eger said, “I’m so proud of all the hard work the students have put forth this challenging year. Singing (and dancing) with masks on is extremely difficult and the students have risen to the challenge.”

“The students had a great year,” orchestra director Sarah Persin said. “Students worked very hard, and were very proud of their final concert. I wish the seniors well in all their future plans.”

Band director Drew DeCarlo called it “a great year” for his group.

“The students all pulled together and followed the mitigation and masking orders every day,” he said. “I also thought many times that students have become kinder, and closer together as ensembles even though they didn’t have the same experiences as other years. Kudos to the students in the music ensembles for finishing the academic school year with fantastic concerts.”

Seniors who performed in their final McKeesport Area High School band, orchestra or chorus concerts in May include:

Ariana Berger, Dovey Bivins, Saifullah Blakney, Cara Brdar, Contessa Chiocca, Tayler Cleveland, Ziara Demery, Christian Donnelly, Ireland Foster, Blaze Grabowsky, Jonathan Gramby, Nya Green, Deven Kohl, Alexa Krznaric, Iniya Little, Jose Lukac, Sarah Marzina, La’nysiah McCullough, Austin Doc McGrew, Taylor Montalbano, Jack Nicora, Ray’Myah Pryor, Travis Scoville, Delaney Stajduhar, Rocco Tarli, Stephen Wilhelm, and Ryan Ziino.

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com.

Originally published June 04, 2021.

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