Two Students Selected to Perform at the ILMEA Festival in November
Barb Dawson • October 24, 2024

Maryfaith Considine and Jonny Kosinski will represent Montini!

Montini Catholic music students, sophomore Maryfaith Considine and junior Jonathan (Jonny) Kosinski were recently chosen to represent the Lasallian college preparatory high school at the Illinois Music Education Association District Choral Ensemble.  The festival, which will take place on Saturday, November 9th at Dundee Crown High School, Carpentersville, is an annual event sponsored by the Illinois Music Education Association. (ILMEA, or the Illinois Music Education Association, is an organization widely known by musicians statewide. This program ranges for all high school aged musicians. From chorus singers to members of an orchestra, ILMEA accepts a variety of musicians who excel in their craft.)


Maryfaith and Jonny, who both most recently performed at Montini's Fall Concert, are very excited about the upcoming concert. According to Mr. Donnie Glowinski, Music Director, Montini Catholic's District, #9, is one of the most competitive districts in the state.  "I could not be more happy for Jonny and Maryfaith! These two students work hard, put in the work outside of class, and really help lead their sections. They are wonderful assets to Montini and the Music Department!" 


"Mr. Glowinski really went all out this year and signed every single one of his Chamber (Choir) students up to audition," said Maryfaith. "For our tryout, we had to record ourselves singing three songs: two All-State Selections and one District selection, with two of those songs in an entirely different language. We performed “Cum Sancto Spiritu,” “Measure Me, Sky,” and “Ave Verum Corpus.” Plus, we had to show off our tonal skills by recording three different triads (major, diminished, and augmented) and two scales (major and melodic minor). The auditions were evaluated by different judges who rate each performance, ultimately deciding if you get selected or not. I was honored to be chosen for the Senior Treble Choir (SSAA), which means I get to sing with an amazing group of all girls!"


"I was so happy when I found out that I got into ILMEA," said Jonny. "Last year I didn’t make it and I vowed to myself that I would try my hardest to make my audition the best that it could be. It all paid off in the end and I was so glad that I made it." Maryfaith is singing in her second festival after being selected as a freshman last year. "I was overjoyed to make it into ILMEA for my second year in a row! After spending nearly an entire day putting my audition together, I felt such a sense of relief knowing that all that hard work paid off. The first time was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to relive it and connect with other talented musicians again."


Both Maryfaith and Jonny are no strangers to performing and being in the spotlight. Both are members of Montini's Chamber Choir and both participate in Montini Theatre as well. Maryfaith played the leading role (Maria) and gave a stunning performance in the 2024 Spring musical, "The Sound of Music," while Jonny equally impressed audiences as Rolf Gruber. Jonny will be starring in Montini's upcoming November Fall Play, "Murder on the Orient Express," and both musicians plan on being on stage in March for the Spring Musical. "I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember," says Maryfaith. "With a mother who was a professional singer, a father who participated in musicals and plays during high school, and an older brother with a passion for music, music has always been a huge part of my life. I jumped into choir and theatre as soon as I could because I love the thrill and the excitement of it all!"


Jonny has also been interested in music ever for as long as he can remember. "I was part of the choir in my elementary school." (St. Scholastica) He also sings in the St. Scholastica church choir and cantors at Mass. "Music has always been a big part of my life and I really enjoy having the opportunity to sing.   My dad has been a big part of my music journey as well. He has a Bachelor's Degree in music, and he helps me learn my music at times too. He is always there as support for me in this journey and helps me to become a better singer.”


"I was so excited to share the news with my parents, and they were happy to hear it," said Maryfaith. "They couldn’t quite attend my audition since it was virtual, but they definitely got an earful of my squawking while walking past my bedroom all day. Their support means the world to me, and I’m still apologizing for all of the vocal warm-ups they had to endure." Jonny's parents were also overjoyed to know that all of his hard work paid off this year. "My mom saw me do my audition. It was an electronic audition that I recorded on my iPad. My parents were so thrilled! They were so proud and happy for me that I get to be part of this festival." Jonny is also grateful to have a music teacher who truly understands the importance of perseverance and encouragement when it comes to music, and especially auditioning for the ILMEA. "I would like to thank Mr. Glow for all that he does for us. He always pushes us to be our best, and especially motivated me to push myself this year in ILMEA. He truly is such a kind and caring person and teacher who strongly believes in, supports, and cares for his students."


Maryfaith is also happy to be able to rely on the mentorship of Mr. Glowinski. "I’m eternally grateful for all the opportunities he has opened up for me during my freshman and sophomore years at Montini. He has been a fantastic mentor and has guided me through so many amazing experiences, from participating in the musical, to being part of the chamber choir, and now performing for ILMEA! Each of these opportunities has helped me grow as a musician and performer, and I truly appreciate the encouragement and support he provides. I’m really excited to see where he continues to take me throughout the rest of my music career at Montini!"


"I plan to follow in my older brother’s footsteps and become a lawyer, but I’m also considering pursuing a career in music," says Maryfaith, when asked to share her future plans. "I can’t imagine my life without it! My oldest brother, Michael, is a graduate from Boston College. When he was a student there, he was the president of the a capella group called “The Bostonians." I hope to have a similar experience in my college career. Music has always been an integral part of who I am, and while I’m excited about the idea of a legal career, I want to explore ways to keep music in my life. It’s a tough decision, but I believe I can blend my passion for music with my professional aspirations."


"I would like to sing in the choir in whatever school I choose to go to after high school," adds Jonny. "I would like to learn more about music in the professional world and I would like to have the opportunity to sing in college."


Both Maryfaith and Jonny anxiously await performing in November. They also provide words of encouragement to students who may be considering but still on the fence regarding trying out for ILMEA in the future. "I strongly advise everyone to give it a shot and go out to audition for ILMEA," says Maryfaith. "If you have the honor of being part of this amazing experience, you’ll never regret it—it’s truly something to remember! Plus, Mr. Glowinski treats us to food, so it’s definitely an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Just dive in and enjoy every moment!"


"I would tell them to try their hardest and to not give up," says Jonny. "Our district is such a competitive district, so it’s always best to try your hardest on your audition. Trust me when I tell you that the hard work and dedication always pays off in the end. Keep persevering and work hard!"


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Robotics Gears Up for State and Sets Their Sites on VEX Worlds!

By Barb Dawson • February 21, 2025
Montini Catholic's Robotics Team is looking forward to the end of the month when they will once again compete in the VEX Robotics State Competition (February 28-March 1, 2025). The Broncos qualified for State after their successful finish at the 3rd Great Lakes Tournament on February 15th. "This team dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort to building their robot, and it was amazing to see their hard work pay off with such a strong performance at Great Lakes," said new Head Coach Don Krystof, who succeeds Coach Pete Farina '87 this year. Krystof and his team can't wait to see Montini Robotics compete at State for the 6th year in a row. “With all the challenges we’ve faced this season we have still managed to overcome and improve," raved captain senior Wyatt Prater , who has transformed into a seasoned Robotics mavin during his four years at Montini. (As a sophomore, Wyatt joined brother, William Prater '23 , in 2023 for the Broncos first trip to VEX Worlds.) "This year we have been to three competitions, Great Lakes 2 & 3 as well as the Great Lakes 3 skills only tournament. Our hope for State is to be top five in the skills category and get an award that will qualify us for Worlds. At Worlds, of course, we want to have fun, but we also wish to get far enough into the competition and make the playoffs for the first time in team history." Fellow senior teammate, and another highly skilled roboticist, Matthew Silveyra , shares Wyatt's enthusiasm for State and beyond. Coincidentally, he too, shared the Worlds' spotlight in 2023 with his brother Alex Silveyra '23 . "I think this season has really lived up to our team motto of 'Solve one problem - make two more.' However, despite the challenges we face, we continue to put the time and effort in to do the best we can possibly do." "Our season has been a difficult challenge due to fewer members," added Wyatt. Typically, Montini's State teams have been comprised of ten+ members. This year's team of seven (five of whom are seniors) have worked even harder to make up the numbers. "We also have some new members in the team we are trying to teach so they continue the successful history of the program. Mr. Krystof has been great and has helped us every way he possibly could have. Right now we are all hoping we do well enough to qualify for worlds!" VEX Robotics competitions help students develop STEM skills, like questioning, experimenting and learning in a fun environment. The competitions also help students develop communication, collaboration and time-management skills. IMAGE ABOVE: Montini's 2024-25 Robotics Team Members - l to r: Coach Don Krystof, Andrew Pivoney '28, Josh Brunke '25, Geethan Siram '25, Wyatt Prater '25, Matthew Silveyra '25, Isabel Jaojoco '25 and Franklin Barnes '27

Senior Bryanna Bell Sets Her Sights on Theatre Stage Management

By Barb Dawson • February 19, 2025
Montini Catholic senior Bryanna Bell was quite thrilled earlier this year to be able to attend the Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) held from January 9th through the 11th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Bryanna, an aspiring stage manager, was honored to be able to take advantage of a her opportunity to attend. IHSTF, produced by the Illinois Theatre Association, is a non-competitive theater festival for high school students in Illinois. It's the oldest and largest non-competitive festival of its kind in the world with the goals of enriching students' education by helping them realize theatre as a creative outlet while exposing them to different types of theatre. The festival is also credited for bringing students together from diverse communities to help them recognize and share their common interest in theatre. "I had the opportunity to see several shows, attend workshops, and meet people," said Bryanna, who, during her junior year, was chosen as Montini's Bronco Artist of the Month for her work in stage management. "One of the most important aspects of (IHSTF) for me, is the fact that many college theatre programs attend and allow students to audition/interview for them. I was able to interview for many schools' theatre programs, which is a requirement for most college stage management majors. It was a really fun and unique experience to be around so much theatre and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fine arts." During her senior year, Bryanna has expanded her job skills by serving as the Student Technical Director for Montini's Theatre Department. "I am more in charge of pre-production things, such as props, set building, and preparation of crew members. But, stage management is still my first love. My favorite part of being in both positions is the fact that I get to connect to so many amazing people. Our program has grown exponentially since I first started, meaning that I have gotten the opportunity to meet many talented, smart and kind kids." Bryanna's responsibilities, which are both fun and challenging, can come with a bit of stress. "You’re in charge of the show and responsible for a bunch of people! Things go wrong all the time, and tech week (the days leading up to the show) is always the hardest and slowest week of the year. Because of all the work we put in, everyone kinda feels that stress, however, the product (the show) is so satisfying to see. People always ask me why I choose stage management, it being one of the more stressful and “less rewarding” jobs and my answer is always the same; I love being a part of the process, and seeing everyone and everything come together." "Bryanna has a true passion for theatre, and it is clear that she has quickly become a leader in the performing arts here at Montini," said Montini Theatre Director, Ms. Jackie Martin who has worked with Bryanna now for three years, a relationship that commenced when Bryanna was chosen in 2022-23 school year to be the stage manager for both the fall musical, Newsies, and the spring play, "Clue." "Her responsibilities included attending every rehearsal, leading the crew in painting and construction, and overseeing everything that happens backstage during the performances." According to play sources, Bryanna runs a tight ship and leads by example. "Her leadership abilities will surely take her far in high school theatre and beyond." "I would say that "Clue" was definitely my favorite show at Montini," says Bryanna, looking back on her Montinin theatre career. "There was something about that show, maybe it was the cast, maybe it was the work we put into it, I’m not sure but we all had so much fun and it is regarded as one of the many peaks of our program." Bryanna is looking forward to the fall when she plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "I will be majoring in Theatre with a concentration of Stage Management and minoring in Business. I have wanted to go to UIUC for a very long time, they have a very good and competitive program that I feel will prepare me to become a professional stage manager. I feel that it’s very important that if someone really enjoys some form of art and/or theatre, then they should make it a part of their education. There is such a stigma around doing fine arts as a job and I feel that we should end it. There are so many artists who have well-paying jobs that they love and are passionate about." Ms. Martin, who nominated Bryanna for Student of the Month last year, has great respect for Bryanna and the work she has done to ensure successful theatrical productions at Montini. "I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Bryanna, this our last play together will be a bittersweet moment, but I know she will be back to cheer on future Montini productions and to let us know how she's doing!" Bryanna's advice for anyone looking to get into high school theatre, "Just do it! Theatre has been a medium for me to express myself and explore who I really am. Forget everything you think you know about theatre and have an open mind. So many people in our program joined on a whim and have now been there for many years because they love it. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but everyone is welcome to join and see how they like it. In regards to stage management, if you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you feel you are up to the challenge, you should definitely apply to be stage manager! It’s such a fulfilling job and it has definitely helped me become more connected to our school’s community."
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