St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman held its fall concert on Oct. 9 in the historic Abbey Byre, delighting the audience with a diverse musical program that highlighted student talent and dedication. The event, attended by faculty, students, and families, was opened with a prayer by Benedictine Father Linus Klucsarits, chaplain of the school.

The concert highlighted the musical accomplishments of fifty-three students, many of whom performed for the first time. The evening began with Dr. Craig Mann introducing the Appalachian Dulcimer Instrument Class, which performed a series of beloved pieces, including “Beach Spring,” “Oh Susanna” with a solo by Emilie Gutowski, “Immaculate Mary,” “Amazing Grace,” and a duet of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by AC Douglas and Dr. Mann.

Under the direction of Jonathon Farley, the Concert Band performed renditions of “Midnight Mission,” “Midnight Sky,” :Midnight Madness,” “Pure Imagination,” and “Afterburn.”

The choir, led by Sister Therese Lopez, followed with renditions of sacred music, including “Ave Verum,” “Ave Maria,” and “Ubi Caritas,” filling the Abbey Byre with reverence and peace.

Farley returned to the stage with the Jazz Band, energizing the room with performances of “Watermelon Man,” “Green Onions,” and “Georgia on My Mind,” featuring solos by Emilie Gutowski and Joey Shadowens. The Jazz Band rounded out their set with “Brazil” and “25 or 6 to 4,” with solos by Sara Woods and Joey Shadowens.

Father Linus concluded the evening by applauding both the students and instructors who guided them. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "For many of these students, this year is their first time touching an instrument or singing, and they have impressed us all." 

Father Linus closed the concert with a final prayer and thanked everyone for attending.

St. Bernard is currently accepting students for semester II of the 2024-25 academic year. For more information, please visit www.stbernardprep.com or contact the Admissions Office by calling 256.739.6682.