Nazareth Academy Symphonic Band Wins State Awards

LA GRANGE PARK, IL — The Nazareth Academy Band program recently participated in the 38th annual State of the Art Catholic Band Competition held at St. Rita High School. Nazareth Academy was one of 17 performing groups. The school said the Nazareth Academy Band received a rating of “Excellent” and was also awarded second place in Class AA. In addition, the Percussion Section received a caption award for “Best Percussion” in Class AA.

According to the school, the band performed Jaime Texidor’s "Amparito Roca" and Randall Standridge’s "In These Last Days of Autumn."

Mike Sliwinski, Director of Bands, said he is pleased with the strides Nazareth’s bands have made in the
past several years, but thinks the experience itself is the best reward for his students.

“The best part about competing at State of the Art is the camaraderie among all of the Catholic school
directors and also the students," he said in a release. "I tell my students to go out and socialize with the other
musicians. The competition also allows us to listen to bands of differing ability levels and sizes.”

The school said the Nazareth Band was also complimented on their professionalism and maturity during the
post-performance clinic with Chris Charboneau, a compliment which thrilled Sliwinski.

“The key phrase I remember him saying was that we are in the upper echelon of Catholic school bands; now we have to decide ‘How good do we want to be?’”

The public can catch their award winning program, along with the Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Beginning Band at the Spring Concert, held on March 5, at 7 p.m. in Nazareth’s Romano Family Theater. There is no admission charge.

Photos provided by Nazareth Academy.