HUDSON – The first-ever performance by the Presentation of Mary Academy band took place the first week of June, and what a show it was.

This is the first year that band has been offered. Assistant Principal Kate Gaudreau worked diligently all year to make the new band program a success.

“It’s important to offer extracurricular activities to nurture the strengths of all students,” Gaudreau said. “The students had a successful year learning their new instruments.”

Students in grades 3-8 chose which instrument they wanted to learn and were offered lessons from the Paul Effman Music Co., which came to PMA each week and held practices after school.

Joining the show was PMA’s choir, directed by music teacher Diane Dube.

Students rehearsed a variety of songs throughout the year and opened the show with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The a cappella group dazzled the audience with its rendition of two pop songs. The junior high a cappella group consists of girls who direct themselves and create all ofo the material for their performances. They all demonstrated amazing talent and leadership.