District 47 Hosts IGSMA Band Contest

Along with District 47’s Bernotas, Lundahl and Beardsley bands, the contest drew middle school band participation from surrounding school districts including Prairie Grove and Woodstock.

The Bernotas Concert band, led by Rick LoPresto, kicked off their program and the day with “Genius March.” Each performing group presented three pieces, including a march and two others to fulfill the requirements of the competition. Throughout the morning the judges were treated to performances by the Bernotas Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, Prairie Grove Jr. High Advanced Band and Jazz Band, Beardsley Concert and Symphonic Bands, and Lundahl Gold Band. In the afternoon the judges heard from the Lundahl Purple and Jazz Bands, the Creekside MS 8th-Grade Band, and the Northwood Middle School Wind Symphony.

“The Bernotas band department was proud to host this event for the fifth year in a row. Not only is this a wonderful performance opportunity for our students, it is a great way for our school community to come together,” said Bernotas band director Kristina Melville. “We had many student and parent volunteers helping with the day, as well as staff from Bernotas and other District 47 band directors. Not only our own students but students from the surrounding area benefited from the time and talents of these amazing volunteers.”

Each of the 12 bands were evaluated by four judges on the following criteria: intonation, tone quality, balance, general interpretation and musicianship, fluency of technique, rhythmic accuracy and stage presentation. Each band was then assigned one of three ratings (Division 1,2 or 3). Bands receiving a Division 1 rating are invited to perform at the state level in April. District 47 will be sending the Beardsley Symphonic Band, Lundahl Gold Band and the Bernotas Symphonic Band to the state contest. Additionally, the Bernotas Concert Band also received a Division 1 rating--the only District 47 second level band to earn this distinction.

“On behalf of District 47, I want to thank the IGSMA, judges, area schools and all D47 band directors, staff, family members and friends for supporting our students’ participation in this event,” said Superintendent Dr. Kathy Hinz. “The fine arts are an important part of a student’s academic career and supporting their passion sends a powerful message of commitment to this positive learning experience.”

D47 congratulates the members and directors of all bands on their outstanding performances!

The IGSMA (www.igsma.org) is dedicated to encouraging, aiding and advancing music education in the elementary, junior high and middle schools throughout the State of Illinois. Its mission is to foster growth in young musicians as they develop musical awareness through positive assessment of their performances.