CHMS Students Perform With Concert Band

On February 8, four students from Clarendon Hills Middle School performed with the Northshore Concert Band during its annual Lifetime of Music concert. Middle school students from several Chicago-area schools were selected to participate. CHMS students included Gray Charlier (alto saxophone), Anne Kuckertz (bassoon), Lelia Jennings (trumpet) and Michael Easley (tuba). The students were nominated by their directors to perform in the event.

Band teacher Rich Lehman explains that this was the second year that middle school students have been invited to participate. “The event was originally open to high school students only, and last year was the first year they offered it to middle school students. The reception was so positive that they wanted to do it again this year.”

Student musicians performed “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlante, “Rhythm Stand” by Jennifer Higdon, “Yorkshire Ballad” by James Barnes, and “Days of Glory March” by John Cacavas.

“For me, as their teacher, it’s wonderful to get to instruct them on their instrument and watch them grow and develop musically,” Lehman says. “In the Lifetime of Music setting, to get to make such great music with my students is such a wonderful privilege! As we were performing, I was looking around at them playing along with me and my colleagues, and it filled me such much joy I could have burst. I couldn’t have been more proud of them. They really did an outstanding job representing our school and band program at the event.”

Band teacher Nancy Golden notes, “Our conductor, Dr. Mallory Thompson, commented specifically about our students, as did other members of the sections in which they played. It was wonderful to hear how well Mr. [Terrence] Melbourn and Mr. Lehman had prepared them and how hard they worked for this extra commitment. Our hope is that the students experienced first hand that music is for a lifetime!”