St. Jerome’s Blue and Gold Band will present its first concert at 12:30 p.m. May 25.

Families and friends are invited to attend the free concert, which is located at the school at 50 Meadow Ave. in Tamaqua.

In a continuing effort to bring its students the best, well-rounded education, instrumental music has been added to the curriculum.

“The addition of instrumental music seemed to be a logical progression as our school continues to grow both in numbers of students and programs. The students have fun while learning good musicianship as well as teamwork as they learn to work together as a group,” said St. Jerome Principal Amy Hannis-Miskar.

The concert will begin with a presentation from the band’s newest members who began lessons at the beginning of this school year. Narration for this portion of the program will be by Hannis-Miskar.

First-year members will show their progress starting with their first sounds, their first rhythms and culminating with some recognizable music.

The second portion of the concert will include members who have been taking lessons for two school years.

The program opens with a section feature entitled “Old McDonald Had a Band” which features woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentation. It will be followed by Benny Goodman’s famous song “Sing, Sing, Sing” which was arranged for beginning band by Michael Story. “Aura Lee,” a traditional folk song will be next. Many in the audience will recognize this piece as Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender.”

The original piece of music “Hard Rock Blues” written by John Higgins will be next and will feature the percussion section with additional snare drum parts created by band member A.J. Reaman.

The band will slow things down a bit with the Josh Groban ballad “You Raise Me Up” which will feature Maisie Peschauer with a clarinet solo. “When the Saints Go Marching In” will follow. This traditional piece of band music was arranged by John Higgins.

Todd Rundgren’s “Bang the Drum all Day,” Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” will round out the concert.

The band is under the direction of music teacher, Bradly Cressley.