Band and choir participated in the IHSA State Organizational Contest at Harvard High School on April 15. The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Treble Choir, Mixed Choir and Jazz Choir all received the highest ratings. Following this contest and the IHSA Solo and Ensemble, the music department is ranked fifth in the state.
“The band had an exceptional year in performances, growth, and in competition. The top concert ensemble, as well as the jazz ensemble, earned perfect scores in state competition. I am very proud of the hard work and effort of all band students throughout the year and I look forward to our upcoming performances,” said band director Candace Edstrand.
They have a few events coming up. Band performed at Jazz Nite in the Black Box on April 27. Choir had a concert at Grayslake Central on May 4. A band concert is coming up May 11 at Grayslake North. Also coming up is “The Concert You Need To Go To” which will feature Slam Funk, Pulse, Pirate Choir, and the Mariachi Band. The concert will be going on May 13 at the Round Lake Civic Center.
“It’s a lot of rehearsing, you know? Going over the music over and over to make sure it sounds good, and we have it memorized,” said the band director Paul Nielsen.
Jazz Nite was a show of the musical talents of Jazz Band and Jazz Choir. The recent choir concert displayed the talents of the choirs and how they have improved this year. The concert will show the talents of the school band as well as “The Concert You Need To Go To” to show the many performing groups. “We’ve all improved our voices and pitches this year through lots of practice,” said choir student Neilla Janssen.
Next year, there will be new opportunities. “I’ve turned in a form to become a section leader for band. The section leader is who everyone looks to when they’re having problems, so I’m hoping to get to help them next year,” said band student Walker Wilson.