MPS Superintendent Ed Graff leading all bands in the finale - Fanfare from "Ode to Joy"
It was a night of celebrating music programs in Northeast Minneapolis. Rock band and Edison's drum line kicked off the evening with amazing performances. The auditorium was filled with admiration from families, staff and community members as they listened to all Northeast MPS bands and Northeast Community band performances. MPS Superintendent Ed Graff made his debut in conducting by leading all bands together in the grand finale of the Fanfare from "Ode to Joy."
We had another special guest in the house, Alumni Liam Davis Temple and former Edison band member. Liam took the stage in a different role this year as the emcee.
Doug Schmitt, owner of Schmitt Music, provided certificates to all of the band directors: Lesley Earles-Edison, Buffy Larson-Sheridan, Ned Worrell-Waite Park, Brian Hadley-Pillsbury, Andrew Tralle-Marcy, Charlie Preis-Northeast Middle, and Tim Martin-Northeast Community.
We look forward to next year's band festival and appreciate the continual support of music in our schools and community.
Note from the Hostess: "Thank you all so very much for coming to this event! We are truly blessed to have such great music programs inside and outside of our schools in Northeast Minneapolis. I enjoy getting to see the fantastic programs we have in our community. What amazing band directors we have! The privilege to work with these students and colleagues day in and day out is an absolute joy. I am very excited to see this in its third year with many more to come in the future. Thank you for your support of the musical arts!"-Lesley Earles, Band Director, Edison High School
We greatly appreciate the generosity of our sponsors: Schmitt Music, The Electric Fetus, Groth Music, Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary club, Marino's Deli, Edison Community and Sports Foundation, Tommie Boosters Parent Group.