OP Rams Music

Earlier this week OP gave out the 2026 Academic Awards. The awards recipients for Music were:

Grade 7: Jonathan Contin
Grade 8: Ethan Sood
Grade 9: Max Kleindienst
Grade 10: Ryan Dicob
Grade 11: Tyler Barrows
Career Achievement in the subject of Music: Andrew Hipolit

In addition, music students were well represented throughout the evening:
Xerox Award for Innovation and Technology - Tyler Barrows
Princeton Book Award - Joey Jumper
Raymond R. Halik Scholarship - Sol Sebastian Wright
Cum Laude Society - Tyler Barrows, Joey Jumper, Harley Lee, Oliver Drayton, Brody Sheehan
The National Association of Secondary School Principals Service Recognition- Matthew Donohue, Jack Ebert, Brendan Healy, Dev Malhotra, VIncent Pasqua, Sam Stevenson
President’s Education Award for Excellence- Joey Jumper
President’s Education Award for Achievement - Tyler Barrows

Plus nearly every departmental award had at least one music student across all grades (Instagram might crash if I put them all here).

Well done boys!

A final mass with the class of 2026 before graduation. May God continue to bless these young men who I hope, while they will graduate tomorrow, will always think of OP as home.

My 9th year of hanging college pennants for my seniors who spent their time in the music program. This year is a little different because it’s not all band/music ministry, but includes guitar and modern band. Proud of these young men and grateful for their contributions to music at OP (not pictured yet, McGill University because I wasn’t able to purchase that one, but I’ve been assured I’ll get one later in the summer/early fall)

Band students hard at work on our first ever solo/ensemble competition! They chose the music and have been using class time to rehearse. They will perform for each other next week and vote on the strongest performance, with the winners to receive a prize (TBD. But probably food)

Seniors may be done with classes but Andrew and Mike came back in today to re-record some vocals for . We’re learning a lot this year about the recording process and we’re grateful to the OPPG for the grant we used to purchase the gear we needed to make this happen!

We are headed to Music City USA! In June 2027 Mr Van Hoven will be running a 5 day/4 night trip to Memphis and Nashville. Highlights of the trip include Sun Records, Graceland, The National Museum of African American Music, and attending a performance at The Grand Ole Opry. Exact dates and cost will be announced in the fall when registration opens (although I can say travel will be in the 6/13-21 window) . We will have a parent info meeting in September but if you have questions please email Mr Van Hoven.

What to say about senior percussionist and section leader Andrew Hipolit? Not only did he manage to be in band every year since coming to OP, he has been a leader, an example to everyone in the band. Plus as a senior he took guitar class and was part of the inaugural class of Modern Band… when we add that to his middle school Music Appreciation classes, Andrew managed something never before seen at OP- 7.5 years of music classes in 6 years.

This year Andrew was in a class with 2 other percussionists- both 7th graders, one of whom got him a graduation gift of a new pair of drumsticks. And that tells you everything you need to know about how he interacted with those boys, and how he has always been a shining example of everything OP does well.

Andrew, to say you will be missed is an understatement of the highest order. But you have left your mark in the band room and we are all better for having worked with you and known you these past 6 years.

Best of luck at Cedarville, and thank you for everything!

Senior trombone player Blake Duddy once had to play a spring concert in his baseball uniform. His game went long, and he didn’t have time to change- but he made the concert and I appreciated his level of commitment to both baseball and music- both teams needed him that night and he was there for both. Blake has been a part of the band since he came to OP as an 8th grader.

Best of luck at Castleton, Blake! Thanks for your commitment, your sense of humor and always knowing more about baseball than I ever will!

Senior appreciation post! As we bid farewell to our seniors today, I’ll be taking a moment to acknowledge senior members of the music program. First up, Jack Ebert and Sol Sebastian Wright. Faithful members of Music Ministry throughout their time at OP, they’ve used their talents over the years to add to our celebration of mass. I am grateful for their efforts and consistency over the years. They’ve helped build the Music Ministry team into a strong and vital part of the mass. St Cecelia, pray for them!

No better way to spend your Thursday evening than with the OP music department!