Band director leads concert, takes final bow

The BMPRSS 5^th Grade Band presented their Winter Concert just before the holiday break.  The band performed three songs, “Christmas Proclamation,” “The Nutcracker March,” and “Celebrating Chanukah.”

The performance was bittersweet as it was Band Director Katherine Sireno’s final winter concert as she is retiring.

“It’s been truly a privilege to work with your children,” Ms. Sireno told the audience. “I could not be more proud of them and of their hard work and dedication.”

Ms. Sireno has worked in the district for five years and has more than 30 years as a music educator. 

“I think that the opportunity for students to learn to play an instrument at the 4th and 5th grade level is extremely beneficial because of all the wonderful benefits they derive from music itself,” she said following the performance. “Especially, building their self-esteem, self-expression and confidence in themselves.”

“I will miss the beautiful relationships I see blossom through the connection and camaraderie that students find with each other in band,” Ms. Sireno said. “They have so much fun learning to play their instruments especially when working together towards a common goal.”

The show also included musicians standing up on stage and playing “Happy Birthday,” in honor of several members of the audience who were celebrating their special day. There were also two surprise pieces that groups of students asked to perform as part of the concert.

“I am going to speak from the heart,” Principal Tracy Taylor said following the show. “We are certainly very sad; this is her last holiday concert with us.”

In the audience were several sixth graders who returned to BMPRSS to offer their congratulations.

“You have certainly shaped every one of our students lives musically, you have really taught from your heart, and we absolutely love you,” continued Ms. Taylor. “What you have done for our school and this program K-12, no pun intended, has been instrumental.”

Ms. Sireno was presented with a bouquet of flowers in thanks as the band chanted “MS. SIRENO! MS. SIRENO! MS. SIRENO!”