ATTLEBORO, MA – Building on decades of music excellence, Bishop Feehan High School is excited to launch a next era for the school’s award-winning band & instrumental music program with the planned summer ‘of 23 opening of an entirely new band facility, the addition of a new band director and the advent of middle school music partnerships with Feehan’s local partner schools.
Feehan’s 2019 Daring to Believe strategic plan called for this re-investment in music, emphasizing the importance of music and the arts in a well-rounded, classical Catholic high school curriculum. And the results of that plan will really shine as Feehan enters the 2023-24 school year and beyond.
The highlight of the renewed commitment is the addition of John Knasas as Feehan’s new band director. John will be teaming with legendary Feehan band instructor, Joe Taylor, to continue the tradition of instrumental music excellence that Mr. Taylor has stewarded on his own for nearly 30 years. Together and under Knasas’ new leadership, Knasas and Taylor will be adding courses to Feehan’s music offerings, expanding band opportunities for Feehan students and launching an exciting new middle school band initiative in partnership with several Feehan feeder schools.
Additionally, Knasas – himself a working musician with the popular band Brass Attack – has been a conductor of the 2010 RIMEA Junior All State Jazz Band, 2015 RIMEA Junior All State Band, and Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble.
“We are thrilled to have John join our faculty,” said Feehan Principal Sean Kane. “And we are “all-in” on our commitment to excellence in music education. With the construction of our new innovation & performing arts building and teaming John with Mr. Taylor, we can’t wait to see where our talented students and their leaders take this program.”
“Four years ago the Feehan community spoke clearly in our planning process,” said Feehan president Tim Sullivan. “Music education was a clear priority, and the time was right to give our music spaces a major, major facelift for 2023 and beyond. At the time, we didn’t imagine an entirely new building, but – through the generosity of many – today we are poised to write the next exciting chapter in Feehan music history. We can’t wait to watch that unfold.”