The Spring Band Awards Concert took place on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. The concert featured Pascack Valley band teacher Mr. Joseph Zajac and his Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble. Some of the pieces performed include “Incantations” by Robert W. Smith, “Invicta” by James Swearington, and “Come Out Swingin” by Larry Neeck.

“It was the most fun that I ever had playing at a concert,” said freshman Giovanna Moralishvili. “I was surrounded by the coolest people ever.”

The audio recordings of the pieces performed at the concert can be found on Zajac’s Schoolwires page.

In addition to featuring numerous performances, the concert included a traditional end of the year awards ceremony that took place halfway through the performance. During this time, the following seniors were recognized for their unwavering commitment to PV band throughout their four years of high school: Brandon Chow, Jared Kullberg, Cassidy Lê, Eric Liu, Matthew Namendorf, Mattias Stremler, and Evan Tinati.

Additionally, Lê received the Russell Perrine Memorial Award and Kullberg was awarded the John Philip Sousa Band Award and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

“It is a huge honor for me to accept both of these nationally recognized awards,” Kullberg said. “Being a senior in band has been bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed every moment, however, it has been hard to know that each one is the last. I had the privilege to work with such great musicians throughout these four years here at PV and couldn’t have asked for a better group of underclassmen. I am thankful to have been under the direction of Mr. Zajac who has given us a musical experience second to none. ”

Zajac also recognized the most improved members of this year from each grade. He awarded Evan Ferioli as the most improved freshman, Andrew Kritzler as the most improved sophomore, Jonathan Bielan as the most improved junior, and Stremler as the most improved senior. Additionally, Julian Stiles received an award for being accepted into the New Jersey All State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra on horn and Gloria Kim received an award for her acceptance to the Region I Junior Band on flute. Both Stiles (on horn) and Kim (on flute) were accepted into Bergen County Band as well.

“To me, band means that there are no winners or losers. Just losers. But we lose together. It’s a team effort,” Moralishvili said.