On Saturday, March 9, our OLHMS Concert Band performed for the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) District Band Contest at Central Middle School in Tinley Park, earning the Division 1 rating. They performed: "Guardians of Liberty" by Paul Murtha, "White River Canyon Overture" by John Higgins, and "Avenger" by Rob Grice. These same pieces were performed for the IGSMA State Band Contest on Saturday, April 27 at Hinsdale Central High School, earning the Superior Rating! Additionally, The Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble performed for the D123 4th graders on Monday, May 6 hoping to inspire them to join Beginning Band next school year!
The D123 Spring Band Concert was on Friday, May 10 and included: Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, and Concert Band. When our Beginning Band played, they performed “Starsplitter Fanfare” and “Midnight Suite” by Brian Balmages. When the Intermediate Band took the stage, they performed “Imperium” and “Ye Banks and Braes O’Bonnie Doon” by Michael Sweeney, and “Themes from Harry Potter” by John Williams, arranged by Paul Cook. Last but certainly not least, Concert Band took the stage and performed “White River Canyon Overture” by John Higgins, “Around the World in 80 Measures” by Len Orcino, and “Cool Cat Shuffle” by David Shaffer. At the concert, 8th grade students were honored for their dedication in the band program over the past 3 years. This group is unique in that they did not start band in 5th grade, and when they did start in 6th grade, they first learned to play wearing musician masks and instrument bell covers. Additionally, the following students earned distinguished awards for Most Improved Band Member: 7th grader, Isabella Miller; and Outstanding 8th Grade Graduate: Giselle Anaya. When 8th grade student Laila was asked what she loves most about Spring Band, she said, "Spring Band not only provided me with the opportunity to create music using the clarinet, but it also created a new family for me. I’ve been playing the clarinet for three years, and I cannot wait to continue my playing at Oak Lawn Community High School!”
The OLHMS Jazz Ensemble closed out the year with the annual Jazz Night performance. The group performed classic big band tunes like Glenn Miller's "In The Mood", as well as other rock, funk, and latin numbers. To close the night, 8th grader Natalie Stankowitz received the Jazz Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership and musicianship. When Noah was asked what he loves most about Jazz Band, he said, “I love how Jazz Band is a creative twist on your typical band, and it allows me to try new instruments and branch off to try new things. I played the French horn at our concerts. Jazz Band is a close knit community where we all know one another really well, and it has allowed me to make more connections. I cannot wait to continue playing at Richards High School!”
This past year has been extremely exciting for our OLHMS Chorus group. When our Mustangs competed in our district competition, they went up against several schools and won 1st Division. But the accomplishments didn't end there! Our Mustangs were asked to perform at state, held at Westmont High School, to compete against several other respected schools, and our OLHMS Chorus group earned a rating of Excellent!
On Tuesday, May 14th, our OLHMS Chorus put on a superb performance for parents and loved ones during the 2024 Spring Chorus Concert. Our Sunrise Singers sang "Pure Imagination" by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley, Arr. Jay Althouse, "Remember Me" Arr. by Roger Emerson, along with our Concert Chorus sang "Bonse Aba" by Victor C. Johnson, and “Homeward Bound” by Marta Keen, Arr. Jay Althouse. Additionally, the combined chorus groups sang “I Am a Small Part of the World” by Sally K. Albrecht & Jay Althouse. When Lucas was asked what his favorite part of the Spring Chorus Concert was, he said “Chorus has taught me many things, one huge thing is that you can have more than one family. I’m so thankful to be part of the OLHMS Chorus family.” We are beyond proud of our OLHMS Chorus group for all their hard work and dedication throughout this school year!
Thank you to Mrs. Lyons, Mr. Kehl, Ms. Hughes, and our dedicated students for making all these wonderful performances possible!