McKeesport Area band hosting Groundhog festival

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
When the conductor calls for “instruments up” at McKeesport Area High School on Friday, students from four different area school districts will prepare themselves to play.
They’ll be in the MAHS auditorium for the district’s eighth annual Groundhog Band Festival. It’s taking place at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $2 for adults and $1 for students. Proceeds benefit next year’s performance.
Prior to taking the stage to wow audiences Friday night, students from the concert bands at McKeesport Area, Clairton City, West Mifflin and Serra Catholic high schools will spend the better part of the school day practicing five different musical compositions with each other and learning from guest conductor George Lepsch, a McKeesport resident.
Prior to retirement, Lepsch taught music education for 25 years. A majority of his career was spent as band director at MAHS and at Serra.
Lepsch and MAHS band Director Mark DeCarlo said they don’t want to give away too much about what songs will be played during the festival, but said the five songs the students will play will be diverse in sound and technique. One of the selections, “Salvation,” will feature a medley of military-themed music to honor veterans who are present at the concert.

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