(MCS) — Mount Carmel School band director and maestro Julian Greening was awarded the “Citation of Excellence” by the National Band Association.
Founded in 1960, the National Band Association is the largest professional organization for bands in the world. Its purpose is to promote the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to reaching high standards of excellence for bands and band music.
During the virtual award presentation, the former president of the National Band Association, Dr. Linda Moorhouse, said the “Citation of Excellence” is awarded “to outstanding concert band directors who are recognized as having a very distinguished level of accomplishment. The award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of bands and band music.”
The National Band Association’s high school representative, Chad Kamei, acknowledged Julian Greening’s efforts and stated that the National Band Association’s “executive committee takes great pleasure in awarding a citation of excellence to Julian Greening of Mount Carmel High School’s Wind Orchestra, for an outstanding contribution to band and band music. Through his professional leadership, he has inspired and motivated excellence in musical performance. His record of service in this profession is one he may be justifiably proud of and will serve as a model to others.”
Originally from Japan, Julian Greening relocated to the CNMI to serve as the school’s music instructor and band director on Aug. 21, 2017.
Since joining the Mount Carmel School family, Greening has developed a thriving band program that has won multiple awards including two silver awards at Tumon Bay Music Festival in 2020 and two superior ratings at the online band competition hosted by All National Music in 2021.
Additionally, Greening connected Mount Carmel School to other bands and artists, including the Saipan Pacific Winds Concert Band and Su-san Band.
“It has been a joy to work with my students, other local artists, and bands on Saipan,” Greening said. “I am humbled by the National Band Association’s recognition of my efforts, but I must also thank my students for their hard work and the support of their parents and the administration for trusting my vision for this program.”
When asked about his next steps, Greening said, “Many of our students started in this band program as early as elementary. Our next step will be to promote our presence as a program internationally and prepare students who are considering music as a profession. We have our next performance at Saipan Ensemble Festival on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at American Memorial Park Amphitheatre starting at 4 pm. Admission is free but please don’t forget to bring a mask with you.”
The National Band Association also awarded a “Citation of Excellence” to school partner Atsuko Eck, the concert band director for the Saipan Pacific Winds.
For more information, about Mount Carmel School, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com
Mount Carmel School’s band director Julian Greening takes a group photo with student members of the MCS Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Wind Orchestra.
The National Band Association’s high school representative, Chad Kamei, presents the Citation of Excellence certificate to Mount Carmel School band director Mr. Julian Greening during a virtual ceremony.
