December is a traditional time of homecoming. This year, musicians who have moved away are coming home from New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and all over Western Washington not only for the holidays, but to hold a concert to honor and thank their high school band director Mr. John Babraitis. This unique community event is open to all and will feature performers who graduated from Mount Vernon High School during the 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s. These folks have gone on to devote their lives to music on a professional level and often also to teaching.
The musicians featured all had the privilege of studying under the baton of “Mr. B”; Lisa Markley, Nick Denke, Brina Bishop, Cheryl Hoffman, John Anderson, Lisa Jenne, Tim Friedlander, Todd Fredrickson, Brooke Pennock, Becca Cook Atterberry.
The genres of music that will be represented span everything from classical to jazz to rock to pop to singer-songwriter. Performances will be combinations of solos, duets, and small ensembles.
Also, MVHS Stage Band One under the direction of Mount Vernon High School's new band director Jacob Scherr will be performing .
Throughout three decades, John Babraitis was the director of the MHVS Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Stage Band, Concert Choir and Swing choir. In 1982, after Mr. Elvin Haley retired, Babraitis went on to also direct the Elementary and Junior High Bands in Mount Vernon.
All former and current music students of Mount Vernon and the greater community are invited to attend and thank Mr. Babraitis in person for enriching their lives with music.
Proceeds from this concert will go to the MVHS Band Program.