| "My husband and I were fortunate last Friday afternoon to be in Lincoln Center Plaza, before a concert of the NY Philharmonic. In the middle of iffy weather, we found your students from Findlay
HS setting up for a steel drum concert. Your young people, aside from being very talented
musically, were a delight. They were poised. bubbly, and totally GREAT! Do come back to visit us
again. Thanks for the music!!" |
~ Marian (a native New Yorker)
|
| "I saw your steel band, Pantasia, at the Virginia Beach festival. I thought they were great! I was there to scout out the festival and learn some things. I video-taped several groups, but missed
yours due to low batteries. After seeing your group, I realized I had missed THE GROUP that I
should have had on tape to show my students back home. I like the whole presentation of the
group as well as the great musical performance." |
~ Fred Kesner, Director,
Teal Steel
Frankfort Middle School Steel Drum Ensemble
|
| "I just wanted to let you know that at this moment I am listening to one of the best CD's I have ever purchased….."Pantasia" Findlay High School Steelband! While attending the Elkhart County
4H Fair, in Goshen, Indiana, I was fortunate enough to catch you guys performing! I couldn’t
believe my ears as I walked closer and closer to the stage where you were performing…..my mood
was suddenly light and it was the highlight of my day! ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! That is the
best way to describe you and your music! I don’t know that I have ever enjoyed a performance by
a group of high school kids as much as I did yours! You are just awesome….a blessing to those of us
that love the sounds of the tropics! I hope I will have the opportunity to see you again sometime!" |
|
| "Thanks so much for the great program that you gave us at the Goshen (IN) Fair Grounds last Sunday. A great big Excapee hug to each one of you young people. For me it was the high light of the week. Your CD will be played over and over. Thanks for taking your time to entertain us." |
|
| "We enjoyed your performance a great deal. Your enthusiasm and rhythmic movements added to the great sounds of your steel drums. We know this must be tiresome work for a group so young,
but you offered us so much pleasure and entertainment. Keep on groovin'. " |
|
| "Thank you so much for coming to Atkinson Elementary School this past week. It was a wonderful and very professional performance. The students were very impressed. I enjoyed pre-teaching
about the history of pans and listening to pan music. Thanks again." |
~ Eunice Koebel, Elementary Music teacher
Atkinson and Croghan Elementary School
|
| "After hearing the steel band Saturday night I was once more assured that there is nothing wrong with the schools. If I wanted to evaluate a school system I’d look at the music department first.
Keep up the good work." |
~ Dr. William Taylor, former State Representative
|
| "The aim of our (Rotary) District Conference Committee was to showcase Findlay to our out of
town visitors. Pantasia was the crowning touch in that showcase. Your hard work really shows as
you entertain with ease, enjoyment, and confidence. You put a smile on every face and make
everybody sway to your rhythm. Your group is a real joy and delight." |
~ Ann Holliger, Executive Director - Findlay Rotary Club
|
| "Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Your young people were great showmen at the Capital Conference. What a
pleasure it was to see those students represent your school with enthusiasm and talent. You were
the highlight of the conference." |
~ Rodger D. Cope, Director of Classified Services
Buckeye Valley Schools
|
| "Thank you for your superior performance at the National Association for Gifted Children’s Annual
Convention. In spite of the fact that there was no dedicated performance area, you commanded
the attention and appreciation of our members and the NAGC Staff and Board of Directors. The
responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Your work is evidence of the power of the arts to
communicate. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us." |
~ Susan Faulkner, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented
Shelby County Educational Service Center
|
| "Following (Pantasia’s) performance, I had so many people come up and say how much they
enjoyed the concert! They also commented that these young people and their director were
excellent ambassadors for the Findlay schools and the city of Findlay. Not only did the students
and their director perform musically and entertainingly, but their behavior was exemplary of how
we wish all students to be. Everything, from prompt arrival to set-up and tear-down, was
professional. We would not hesitate, and furthermore, would enthusiastically welcome Mr. Mattis
and the students of Pantasia to our fine city again." |
~ Paul Hoverman, Coordinator of Performing Arts
The Van Wert County Foundation
|
| "The presentation and performance of the Findlay High School Steelband at the Huron
Amphitheatre was most appreciated. The enthusiasm of Mr. Mattis was unmistakable as he
proudly described the history and accomplishments of (the band). The musicians, who were also
dancing with delight and enjoyment as they played the unique instruments, made us smile as we
were entertained." |
~ Rhonda & Ken, Lin & Arno (WI), Carol & David (NJ)
|
| "Thank you so much for bringing your high energy group to The (St. Petersburg) Pier. Be sure to include us on your tour next year, if you come this way!" |
~ Robertson@UrbanRetail.com
|
| "I was on the (Carnival Cruise Line’s M.S.) Sensation. Your music was a wonderful surprise!
Thank you for making my cruise experience all the more delightful! Keep up the great work!" |
|
| "Please pass along my sincere appreciation and admiration for such a talented and well behaved group of kids you have. It’s evident that they are coached very well, not only in their musical
endeavors, but also in the way that they carry themselves as professionals. Our guest’s positive
comments are a direct reflection on just how hard these kids have worked to obtain their own
successes." |
~ Rob Hyypio, Conference Services Mgr.
TradeWinds Island Resorts |
