By John Knudson ‘19
Here at Saint Ignatius, we are deeply rooted in the arts. Since as far back as July, our school’s artistic prowess has been exhibited by one group in particular: the band.
Led by directors Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Mullen, the group goes to every varsity football game. The devoted audience at Byers Field knows them for their unique halftime show performances. This year, the band has marched to the iconic rock anthems of Led Zeppelin and the jazzy tunes of The Blues Brothers. The Led Zeppelin show was especially popular among the student section, who enjoyed the beloved hit, Stairway to Heaven.
At the end of every football season, the band pulls off the famous Script Cats tradition, going strong for its 31st year. The long lasting custom has members playing the song Le Regiment and lining up in 4 familiar letters that represent our school pride–no, not AMDG–but CATS. This is reminiscent of the Ohio State Marching Band Script Ohio show, yet it brings a distinctive Ignatian spin. Script Cats is undoubtedly a classic that every Ignatius student should see before graduating.
Script Cats marks a triumphant end for the marching band season, but it is not the end for instrumental music. After the football season, the concert band will prepare a new set of Christmas music. Additionally, there is huge news for the Ignatius Jazz Ensemble. Dominick Farinacci, a Cleveland-born jazz performer, is coming to work with the ensemble. Farinacci is currently an artist in residence at Cuyahoga Community College and has toured with famed jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. The next time you have a musical itch, come and listen to any one of our talented instrumental groups.
