Author: Stephanie Ochsner

Most know what it means to go to State in a sport: nail-biting matches, high emotions, and lots of school spirit. Few are aware, however, of the fine arts equivalent: All-State Band. Rather than a competition, this is a cooperative group of musicians from all around Minnesota. Students audition by submitting recordings featuring a range of scales and etudes (short songs) that are technically challenging to test their skills. Those lucky enough to be admitted had the opportunity to play music at a higher level and perform in the famous Orchestra Hall. 

On Saturday February 19, Providence Academy Upper School students, Gretta Martin, ‘22, Nathan Fish, ‘23, and Ella Flynn, ‘22 were Providence’s representatives for the All-State ensembles. The students worked so hard learning how to play the clarinet, trombone, and flute and were finally able to celebrate all they have accomplished in their musical careers thus far. 

“I enjoyed getting to meet other people who love playing the clarinet as much as I do,” glowed Martin, ‘22. “My favorite part was going to Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. It was really cool getting to warm up and perform in a space where professional musicians play.”

This past weekend was just the tip of the iceberg. Anyone in the music industry knows there was much more work put in beforehand. Students selected for All-State have been practicing for the performances since last May, when they learned they were selected. Participants also attended a five-day music camp at Concordia University, where they met their fellow bandmates, played as an ensemble, and got the chance to enhance their music skills. 

“I liked living on a college campus for a few days during All-State Band Camp,” stated Fish, ‘23. “It was really fun to see what it is like to be a college student.”

For the students, All-State was more than just a chance to play at a concert. This was a once-in a lifetime opportunity to experience music played at a high level. 

“All-State is a big deal.  It’s a huge honor, and I want to make sure PA students who are at this level are able to audition and participate. I also make sure their names are forever placed on the All-State plaque in the Performing Arts Center,” said Thomas Jones, Upper School Band Director.

Whether it be the new musical techniques they picked up, or the friends they met along the way, this was a weekend the PA All-State students will never forget.

From learning about a journalism career to meeting a local celebrity, Providence Academy journalism students had a fun day on February 4, when Amelia Santaniello, WCCO’s nightly News Anchor visited their class to speak with students about day-to-day experiences in her field.

Santaniello has worked very hard over the years to get to the evening News Anchor position. She has lived and worked in Connecticut, Washington D.C., New York, as well as Pennsylvania. Twenty-six years ago she saw the WCCO position as a great opportunity to settle in one location, after traveling for much of her previous reporting career. Ten years into her time at WCCO, her husband, Frank Vascellaro, joined her as co-anchor, and the two became one of the only married news anchor teams in the country. 

During her visit to PA, Santaniello did more than describe her day-to-day life on the job; she walked students through how she worked her way up in the field against fierce competition. Her first job was a production assistant for WUSA in Washington D.C., in the reporter trainee program, where she did behind the scenes work, such as conducting interviews and writing stories for the news anchors to report. 

From there, she worked for WETM-TV in Elmira, New York, where she anchored the weekend news. Then she moved on to WNEP-TV in Scranton, Pennsylvania as a reporter and anchor. Lastly, before she made the decision to move to Minnesota and take her first evening news position, she anchored the weekend news at WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut.

“I have moved around a lot over the years,” expressed Santaniello. “When I was offered the WCCO news anchor position, I thought it was the perfect place to settle down, get married, and have kids.”

Santaniello used her extensive experience in journalism to share wisdom with those students considering a similar path. She told the journalism class that news anchors have to be able to think on their feet, go with the flow, and be outgoing. She also warned that people in these careers need thick skin to ignore unexpected amounts of backlash. From receiving negative emails about her outfit to how she may have not covered a story well, Santaniello had to draw on personal strength to not let it affect her mindset.

“Something I never expected about my job is how thick your skin has to be,” explained Santaniello. “You just have to move on and not let it affect you.”

Santaniello’s relatable nature and personal stories made it easy for students to envision themselves in her position.

“I was really grateful to have the ability to put myself in her shoes and see how I would fare in her job,” stated journalism student, Ella Flynn, ‘22. “The most helpful part was when she listed skills that were extremely helpful in her career; that allowed me to think about what I want to do when I’m older.” 

Adam Schmalzbauer, Chair of PA’s English Department, also attended Santaniello’s presentation and recalled the impression she made on the students. “Amelia Santaniello served as an inspiration to the young journalists; she was a great source for learning about the journalism field.”

From giving great advice about finding a meaningful career path, to sharing her journey in the field, Santaniello had a clear impact on the students by helping them develop their picture of real world journalism. 

The Sock Hop is known throughout Providence as a night filled with poodle skirts, leather jackets, and all things 1950’s. This event was in full swing Saturday night as Lower Schoolers danced the night away. It proved itself to be so much more than just a themed event, even though it was thought that it would be less popular after last year’s cancellation.

The Sock Hop made a comeback! Despite concerns, more students attended than ever before. The event committee was expecting to have around 300 attendees and ended up having 450 people sign up to attend. It was the best turn out in Sock Hop history.

“Coming off the dynamics of last year, the Sock Hop simply gives kids the opportunity to be amongst others their age,” noted Mrs. Mallory Busacker, chair of the Sock Hop and first grade parent. “It gives them the chance to look up to and learn from older students, befriend younger students, and intermix with new and future friends.”

The number of attendees was not the only thing to come back in full force. Many familiar 50’s-themed decorations and activities brought life to the event. A conga line snaked across the retro-designed Great Room and Limbo and Hula Hooping contests drew a majority of the lower schoolers into the fun. In between all the festivities, Custodian Mr. John Wagner hosted a raffle that continued throughout the night and the winners received lollipops.

The Sock Hop not only cultivates community in the Lower School, but also gives students, siblings, and parents a night to enjoy themselves and spend time with peers outside of the classroom. They get to talk with friends about cool 50’s costumes and cheer each other on during coordinated games and activities.

 “I really enjoyed running around and spending time with my friends,” expressed third grader Wells Martin. “It was so much fun!”

“I have attended the Sock Hop every year,” glowed Mrs. Robyn Steinbrueck, First Grade Teacher.  “I love going because it is such a great family event.  Everyone dresses up, dances, and just has such a great time!  Mr. Wagner is an incredible DJ, and he really makes the event a lot of fun for the kids.”

Whether you end up a winner of the hula hoop contest or you are an older sibling hoping to join in on the fun, the Sock Hop is the perfect way to kick off Catholic Schools Week.