LMHS Band Program Spring Showcase

Over the past four years, our senior students and our entire Lower Moreland High School Band Program have won a National Festival as members of the Jazz Ensemble in New Orleans, placed second and third out of 15 Jazz Ensembles at the "Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival", been selected as one of the top twelve jazz ensembles in the country to attend the "Swing Central Jazz Festival" in Savannah, Georgia, placed first in a National Festival as members of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble in Nashville, recorded in the world famous "RCA Studios", performed a concert in Disney World, performed and recorded brand new literature with composer Quincy Hilliard and John Mackey, played at football games, community events, and earned great respect from around the country. When these Lower Moreland students travel to a National Event, people know who Lower Moreland is because of this incredible group of students.

These are all profoundly impressive accolades and remarkable high levels of achievement, especially since, for the seniors, most of these events actually occurred in a span of only 30 months. However, all of these accomplishments are not why I am so deeply in awe of the program we have built together here in Lower Moreland. I am always impressed and moved by all of our students' levels of resilience, dedication, maturity, caring, sense of community, and tenacity througout the events which have completely changed all of our lives over the past 14 months.

Our students do not quit. They do not give up. They find a way. Using our program, and the music they share as their vehicle, they have found ways to stay connected, help one another, continue to lead by example, and grow as musicians as well as amazing young adults. I am proud of their ability to weather this storm and continue the amazing traditions of our program here in Lower Moreland. Most recently, our Jazz Ensemble recorded a live performance and submitted it to the "National Jazz Fesitval", where they placed first! This is just one great example of how these students let nothing stand in the way of their success and the comaraderie they share.

Our motto has always been "Tradition Never Graduates". This mind set has enabled us to come out of this entire pandemic the same exact way we entered...together. It always has been, and will continue to be "WE/US".

It is our honor to share with you a prism view of some of the hard work of our students over the past four months. There are pre-recorded projects, live recorded performances, and many other examples of how our students have worked together throughout this pandemic. Regardless of the situation, our students continue to represent our school, district, and entire community with pride. For that, I am forever grateful.

Please enjoy the work of these amazing students!

Respectufully,

Mr. Stroup