They say if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.
That’s the philosophy junior Anthony Berardi has heading to the All-State Music Conference/PMEA Wind Ensemble on April 12 in Erie.
“For me it’s about making music and doing what I love,” Berardi said.
This is the second straight year Anthony has attended All-State band, recognized as one of the top 12 percussionist in the state. He qualified at an audition at Region III band in February.
“It doesn’t feel real. I am incredibly blessed to have been gifted this skill and so grateful to have the resources I do to help me improve,” said Berardi.
The PMEA Wind Ensemble is a great achievement for any high school musician, with thousands of auditions each year from students all over the state of Pennsylvania. The Wind Ensemble is run by Dr. Tonya Mitchell Spradlin, an Assistant Professor of Music and the Director of Wind and Band Studies at PSU, who expressed in a letter to all PMEA All-State musicians that this program is meant to “honor where we came from and support where we are going.”
Anthony Berardi plans to do just that. He referred to the concert as “an opportunity to grow” as he gets the opportunity to perform alongside 76 different high school musicians all with different strengths and weaknesses to which they all get to improve upon.
“Playing with the top student musicians in the state gives you the kind of experience that matures you to be an amazing and professional musician,” he said.
Berardi is set to spend two days before states at rehearsals, which for many would be nerve-racking, but Anthony describes his feelings as “beyond ecstatic,” even going as far to say that if he could make it happen today he would. Keeping with his never-work-a-day mentality, he’s preparing with B-A’s music department to do his very best at his event.
Berardi gives credit to the Bellwood music department expressing how much it has benefited him and improved his career as a percussionist.
“From giving me advice, to giving me the proper instruments, it helped me immensely,” he said. “Just having opportunities to play in marching band has helped me get to where I am. Without it I’d be nothing”
The appreciation doesn’t stop there though. Berardi credited many people for his success in music starting with Mr. Sachse, Bellwood’s Instrumental Music-Band teacher.
“He has been an incredible support for me by lending me instruments to borrow, letting me stay after school to practice, and giving me advice on how to be a great musician while keeping my life in order,” Berardi said.
For his part, Mr. Sachse said he was proud of Anthony for putting in the work necessary to achieve on so high a level.
“It was great to see Anthony maintain his focus, discipline, and his work ethic,” Mr. Sachse said. “Other students would have rested on their laurels after going to states last year. Equally importantly, Anthony acts as a leader at Bellwood-Antis and treats his peers with respect.”
He also thanked teachers, friends, and his father, who himself is a professional musician.
“I’m proud and happy to represent Bellwood-Antis to the state of Pennsylvania, and I couldn’t have done it without those people,” Berardi said.
The Blueprint wishes Anthony Berardi the best of luck at his All-State concert!
