CMS and PWHS musicians perform with Montco Bands

Sixteen members of the Colonial Middle School Band recently had the opportunity to take part in the 2025 Montgomery County Middle School Concert Band.

The group featured select seventh and eighth grade musicians from Abington Middle School, Colonial Middle School, Keith Valley Middle School, Sandy Run Middle School, Springfield Township Middle School, and Upper Moreland Middle School.

This marked the second year that CMS eighth grader Piano Kaewchaiyo performed with the group. “Being a part of Montco Band has made me appreciate the music environment so much, and be grateful for how far I've come,” she said. “Though Montco Band 2025 is over, I hope future musicians who participate in the Montco Band enjoy it just as much as I did."

The concert consisted of ten pieces, and the middle school band directors worked together to select the repertoire. Colonial Middle School Band Director David O’Neill conducted Storm Warning! by Robert Sheldon.

“I was impressed by how fast this year's concert came together. With only four rehearsals, it's up to the students to learn their part on their own so rehearsals can focus on putting all the parts together,” said Mr. O’Neill. “Montco Band is always a highlight of my year, because I get to work with great directors and talented musicians from all over Montgomery County.”

At Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, 13 instrumentalists performed in the high school version of the ensemble, the 42nd Annual Montgomery County Honors Band.

Tenth grader Lukas Koskela said, "It was wonderful to meet musicians from other schools because we were able to share our different perspectives of the music and then combine them into a beautiful product."

The band pulls from seven high schools: Abington High School, Hatboro Horsham High School, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Springfield Township High School, Upper Dublin High School, Upper Moreland High School, and Wissahickon High School. The concert also is a group effort between the schools’ band directors. 

PWHS Band Director Tonia Kaufman conducted the piece (not) Alone. 

"I choose (not) Alone because Randall Standridge, the composer, struggles with depression and anxiety, and this piece represents how he experiences his mental health issues,” said Mrs. Kaufman. “His openness about his struggles makes the students feel more comfortable and accepted if they are experiencing similar issues." 

PWHS junior Bobby Hutchinson liked the changing time signatures in (not) Alone and another piece, Melodious Thunk. "I really enjoyed the musical selections this year, because they were both challenging and enjoyable,” he said.

For both the middle school and high school Montco Band opportunities, the students rehearse and perform a public concert at the host school. This year, both concerts were held at Abington Senior High School. 

"Montco Band is a wonderful opportunity for the students and directors to collaborate with one another to perform,” added Mrs. Kaufman. “It brings out the best in all of us."