Volunteering one of your last weeks of summer to sit in school might not sound like a fun option for most students, but for all the members of the Jack Hille Middle School Summer Band it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

More than 30 students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth grades took time out from the dog days of summer to dust off their instruments and learn a few new tunes. For two hours a day from August 5 through August 9, students under the direction of Steve Nendza learned three songs, practiced team building and got to show off their new skills with a performance for friends and family Friday, August 10.

“I love to see the kids, catch up with the kids, how their summer was and what's been going on,” Nendza said.

The seventh- and eighth-grade band performed three pieces, including “Into the Clouds,” “Colliding Visions,” and finally, “YMCA.” The crowd gave the kids a standing ovation.

For the students, the chance to hang out with their friends and play some fun music was well worth taking part in the voluntary program.

“It was really fun to play our instruments with our friends again,” said Billy Altire, a seventh-grader at Hille.

“Plus, playing 'YMCA' was a lot of fun,” added Toby Dye, also a seventh-grader. “I really like that song.”

After the performance, the students cooled off with a water balloon fight and Popsicle party that left everyone, including Nendza, soaked and smiling.