St. Joan of Arc School
22415 Overlake Street | Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone 586.775.8370 | Fax 586.447.3574
Phone 586.775.8370 | Fax 586.447.3574
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Band
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St. Joan of Arc School is proud to offer a band program for students in grades 3 thru 8. Band members learn how to play an instrument while having fun. The fun continues for the advanced band members who are challenged with more difficult music and given a variety of opportunities to share their talents including playing with a high school marching band, performing at a music festival in Ohio, and bringing cheer to residents of area nursing homes. Both bands meet twice a week and both present two concerts annually, Christmas and Spring. Throughout the year, the St. Joan of Arc Band combines with band members from Our Lady Star of the Sea creating the Eastside Catholic Band.
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Mr. Bob McKay
You would hear his coming before you actually saw this mountain of a man. His humming--always joyous--always evidence of the tunes that played in his head almost all the time. Mr. McKay knew music, knew talent, and knew how to encourage those who wanted to share their love of music with others. Starting with novices, he taught students how to play, and showed them that, with effort, the noise of their instruments could turn into the harmonious sounds of a band. Mr. McKay gave students the chance to play for audiences of all ages--from Christmas programs to the National Anthem at Spirit Week events to "Pomp and Circumstance" at Graduations to Cedar Point parades to playing at faculty meetings--this incredible teacher graciously gave these young people all of the credit and all of the applause. In doing so, he gave these children confidence, pride, and self-assurance. He also showed them how music and sharing it with others, could change lives.
We lost Mr. McKay this past summer due to health issues that plagued him off and on these past few years. We know his dedication to music and to teaching meant long evenings and invisible weekends, and so we are very grateful to his family for kindly sharing him with us. And we are certain that somewhere in heaven Mr. Bob McKay is humming--looking down on his former students--inspiring them from above. His talent and love of music--shared with joy--lives on.
"Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him" -
Memories of Mr. McKay
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