The Clarendon Hills Middle School Symphonic Band is one of only 12 junior high schools in Illinois that has been selected as a performer at the SuperState Band Festival, set to take place May 3 and 4 at the University of Illinois.
The CHMS ensemble, led by Terry Melbourn, consists of 68 students in seventh and eighth grade. They were chosen for the festival by a panel of judges based on the quality of the band’s repertoire, as demonstrated in a recording of their music sent with the application to perform. The SuperState Festival is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Band and the School of Music. It provides the opportunity for nearly 40 bands in four classes (three high school divisions and one middle/junior high division) to perform in the Foellinger Great Hall, the largest venue in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. The festival will conclude with a performance by the University of Illinois Wind Symphony conducted by Dr. Robert Rumbelow.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for this festival, and I am extremely proud of the hard work that our band members have put in to reach this level of performance,” Melbourn said. “As an Illinois graduate, I understand what a great opportunity it is to perform on the stage of the Great Hall. I can’t wait to share this experience with the CHMS symphonic band.”
Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Festival leaders note, “Receiving an invitation to the SuperState Concert Band Festival is the crowning achievement for concert bands in the state of Illinois. Only the finest concert bands are selected to participate at this exclusive event.”
The CHMS students will perform for judges on Friday, May 3; an awards ceremony will follow after the final school’s performance. One middle school band will be named Honor Band and invited as guest performers at the 2014 festival.
Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The CHMS band program is truly excellent,” said CHMS Principal Griffin Sonntag. “Mr. Melbourn instills discipline in his students and creates a desire in them to be their very best. As a result, the overall sound is incredibly mature for this age group.”
For a preview of the CHMS Symphonic Band’s program, residents can attend the Tuesday, April 30 Spring Band Concert in the CHMS gym. At 6 p.m. the 5th Grade Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band will perform. At 7:45 p.m. the 6th Grade Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Band will perform.
###
Caption (1): The Clarendon Hills Middle School Symphonic Band is one of only 12 junior high schools in Illinois that has been selected as a performer at the SuperState Band Festival, set to take place May 3 and 4 at the University of Illinois. Pictured are CHMS band members Zoe Relias, Martin Berg, and Becky Biernacki
Caption (2): Pictured are CHMS band members Celia Balderston and Sarah McManus.
