St. Francis GradNews Fall 04 - YourMembership.com

36 • GradNewsPrep Musical Ensemble Plays at the Sydney Opera HouseUnder the Direction of a Very Talented And Versatile AlumnusOn July 11, 2004, The St. Francis Prep Wind Ensemble, under the direction ofDavid Kobayashi, Class of 1993, who also serves as Associate Director of the Prep’sConcert Band and Jazz Ensemble, performed at the Eric Whitacre Wind SymphonyFestival at the Sydney Opera House in Australia.The St. Francis Prep Wind Ensemble is the newest among many performingorganizations at the school. The group, which was initially formed for this special tripto Sydney, is comprised of some of the Prep’s most talented students. It is a realmicrocosm of the Prep community, and in its short history the ensemble has alreadyperformed for numerous dignitaries, local and church officials at the ceremony forthe renaming of the school’s section of Francis Lewis Boulevard (in memory ofBrother Ralph Clifford).David Kobayashi is a bold proponent of new literature forConcert Band, having performed new music at almost everyconcert he has conducted at the Prep. After graduating fromthe Prep in 1993, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a concentrationin Composition from Binghamton University, and then studied for his law degree at NewYork Law School. A member of several State and Regional Bars, Dr. Kobayashi is a founding partnerof the law firm Kobayashi & Kobayashi. Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Kobayashi maintains anactive and versatile role as a pianist, guitarist and arranger in and around New York City.Tribute to Joe Saner, SFP Class of 1953On Monday, August 2, 2004, friends and relatives of the late Joseph P. (Joe) Saner ’53 joined together for a wonderful day ofgolf and good friendship around cocktails and dinner at The Woods at Cherry Creek in Riverhead on Long Island.Following the day’s activities, Joe’s wife, Marilyn Saner, presented a check for $3,000 to St. Francis Prep. This gift, presentedin Joe’s name, will provide for three $1000 grants to be awarded to deserving Prep students later this year—one boy, one girl, andone football student athlete (to recognize Joe’s involvement in the sport).Joe Saner, who resided with his family in Northport, NY for many years, spent most of his career with Dunn & Bradstreet(financial services and publishing), retiring as Senior Vice President at a relatively early age. He made many friends in thefinancial services and brokerage industries, many of whom were on hand on August 2nd (Joe’s birthday) in tribute to him andhis wonderful spirit that will live on through these Joseph P. Saner Grants at St. Francis Prep. He passed away in the spring of2003 after a battle with cancer. Let his memory carry on!The tournament winners wearing their St. Francisregalia.Mrs. Marilyn Saner expressingher thanks to the fundraisingtournament’s participants.Joe’s friends who organized the event.