On Monday, April 28, the PV Music Department hosted its annual District Band Night at Vibrant Arena in Moline. The evening showcased performances from all bands in the Pleasant Valley Community School District, bringing together over 800 student musicians in front of over 2500 audience members.
Seven bands took the stage throughout the night, including a combined district-wide sixth grade band, one seventh grade band, one eighth grade band and four separate high school bands. The event highlights the huge role band plays in students’ lives across all grade levels.
Since the Covid year of 2020, the District Band Night has grown from 710 students to now 802. This is a testament to the greatness of the PV Bands and its strong community. “We hope that the students and parents are able to hear the progression of the bands from 6th grade to high school,” said PVHS Director of Bands Drew Anderson. “It is the only night all year where all of the band students are able to hear and support the other groups. We hope students get a sense of not only the size of the program but also the high quality of bands we have at Pleasant Valley.”
Toward the end of the night between performances, two seniors, voted by their peers, were announced to receive an award.
Senior Tanya Rastogi was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award, which is given to the best musician of the senior class. “Receiving this award is quite meaningful to me as playing the flute has been one of my biggest time commitments these past four years,” said Rastogi. “As an underclassman, I looked up to all the talented seniors in old graduating classes, and it’s great to know I’ve reached a similar level of success with my instrument.”
Senior Brooke Yulga won the Dave Williams Memorial Scholarship, given to the most spirited band senior. “Knowing that it was voted on by the whole band really made it special knowing that I made some sort of impact over the years,” expressed Yulga.
The level of musicianship and commitment to the band displayed by these students is a great example deserving of being recognized in front of the entire band family to inspire younger generations. “I gave myself a very strong foundation in middle school. My advice to younger students would be to practice consistently and not let failure affect their mindset,” added Rastogi.
All year round the band prepares for different concerts, events and bonding activities that create the band community. Marching band, band bash, senior nights and trips are some of the traditions that make band much more than a school elective and gives students pride to be part of the “bamily.”
District Band Night is one of the many events throughout the year that the PV Band organizes to celebrate music and community. “The week before school the band gets together for band camp. This is such a fun time to get to know people, dress up and earn awards, pass on traditions and more. I think this time highlights the band’s spirit and their dedication to bond and create the band family,” commented Yulga.
As the band looks forward to their future event of the year, State Large Group Festival is right around the corner, and District Band Night is a way to present what pieces students have been working on.
The concert kicked off with the “Fight Song,” and then the sixth grade band went on and performed three songs, followed by the seventh and eighth grade band, playing two songs each and then the high school bands played one each.
To finish off the night, all the bands collectively played “Freedom Finale,” the concluding tradition at District Band Night and highlight of the night for many. “My favorite part of District Band Night is always listening to the progression of all of the bands and performing the final mass band piece “Freedom Finale” with all 800 students…with no rehearsal!”
