Top Scores for FGR Band and Madrigals
The Father Gabriel Richard High School Concert Band and Madrigals Honors Choir placed exceptionally well at the recent Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) and Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District Festivals.
For the third year in a row, the FGR Concert Band earned First Division Honors. Band Director Greg Normandin said, “Our outstanding band earned First Division Ratings from all three concert judges and a First Division Rating from the sight-reading judge for an overall First Division Rating.”
For their part, “The Madrigals absolutely rocked it at the MSVMA District Choral Festival!” said director Kelly (Ward) Hernandez ’06. The honors choir earned an outstanding score of 118/120 EXCELLENT, highlighted by a perfect sight-reading score, a perfect score from one judge, and just one point off from each of the other two judges. “The students worked incredibly hard on two challenging and contrasting pieces, and their dedication truly paid off,” said Mrs. Hernandez.
Incredible Opportunity
Top scores aside, the student-musicians and vocalists express gratitude for being a part of the programs. Peter Ross ’26, who has played tuba in the band this year while remaining active in Madrigals, said “It has been an incredible opportunity to participate in both band and Madrigals this school year. My favorite part about being in both is that I get to come to school and make music with my friends every single morning before going off to my other classes.”
Exceptional Music Education
Peter has high regard for his directors, “Both Mrs. Hernandez and Mr. Normandin are wonderful directors who have taught me so much about music and musicality. I like taking what I learn from band and applying it in Madrigals, and vice versa.” “But most importantly,” he continued, “their incredible witness to the faith has instilled in me the desire to give all glory and praise to God.”
Mr. Normandin is pleased with the progress the band has been making. “The success of the students is demonstrated by their first division ratings at Band and Orchestra Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the quality of their concerts,” he said. “I am so proud of their dedication and hard work.”
Hard Work and Community
Madrigal Lily Mayer ’26 feels her hard work can have lasting impact on the program. “The harder I work to vocally prepare for our pieces, the better I can help those around me learn efficiently and set a good example for newer Madrigal members to follow.” She enjoys being a part of the program and said, “It feels so incredible to be in Madrigals and be part of a community that has so much fun laughing together and creating music that draws people into happiness and appreciation of the Lord’s beauty.”
Violinist Ireland Perttunen ’26 reflected on her years in the FGR Band recently stating, “As a senior, it feels so meaningful to finish my time with the FGR band on such a high note. There has been so much work put in on everyone’s part to earn Division 1 ratings for three years in a row, and I am so proud of our band.”
She also echoed Lily’s sentiments about the Madrigals community with her own about the band. “There have been so many memorable moments this year, and I would highly encourage anyone that is interested in the FGR Band to join! We have such a strong sense of community and shared commitment, and I have loved being in the band over the past few years.”
Touching Hearts and Glorifying God
While the success the band and Madrigals have experienced is certainly indicative of the hard work, dedication, and hours of rehearsal they have put in, Mrs. Hernandez points to a different hallmark of success. “Before stepping on stage, we offered to the Lord the hard work we had put in and asked that He would touch the hearts of those in the audience through our performance,” said Mrs. Hernandez of the Madrigals Festival performance. “What a blessing it was to be able to do so!”