STEM Beats held their final concert of the year on June 7, closing off a year of outstanding performances. Led by Holyoke STEM Music teacher Aaron Di Pilla, the band performed nine different songs to a packed crowd in the cafeteria.
“This concert was the last STEM Beats performance for this year’s 8th graders, as they prepared for their Step Up Ceremony on June 14,” Mr. Di Pilla said. “It has been a packed year for STEM Beats, as they have performed at PECK, Morgan, and Lawrence as part of Holyoke’s rezoning efforts and to welcome and support future students who will be attending Holyoke STEM next year. A highlight of their year was their university performance at UMass, but nothing can compare to performing at their own home school with a Holyoke audience!”
The musicians ended their most recent performance with a drum-off competition featuring solo drummers competing in front of a panel of judges. Eighth graders Alexi Merced and Emanuel Gonzalez were declared winners by the judges, who also named Kymani Williams as the overall winner.