Lake Forest Country Day School Hosts Northern Illinois Music Conference

The halls of Lake Forest Country Day School will be filled with music on Saturday, February 20, as the school hosts the Northern Illinois Music Conference (NIMCon). This solo and ensemble contest involves twenty-one area school districts, and boasts more than 1700 vocal and instrumental performances.

NIMCon offers middle school aged students the opportunity to perform either as a soloist or in a small ensemble and receive valuable feedback from esteemed educators. Students will also have the chance to earn medals for their performances.

This prestigious competition is a natural fit for LFCDS where all students participate in a music program beginning in preschool as they learn to read, write, and perform music through a unique music literacy program. Lower School students have an increased emphasis on performance practice, and Upper School students study music technology, learn to play various wind instruments, participate in a world music class, and gain a basic understanding of how music is used to codify cultural understanding.

“We are so pleased to be hosting the inaugural NIMCon Solo & Ensemble Contest at Lake Forest Country Day School,” said LFCDS Band and Music Teacher Jennifer Lydigsen, who is also a founding NIMCon board member. “Preparing and performing a solo is quite a risk for any middle school-aged student. Much like public speaking, performing a solo takes a lot of practice and a lot of courage. Although they feel a little vulnerable at first, I hear tremendous growth in my students throughout the rehearsal process. I am so proud of our music students, and I am excited to hear their performances this weekend!”

LFCDS has thriving band and choral programs, which include a Chorus and Honors Chorus; and Beginning, Concert, Symphonic, and Jazz bands.

Lake Forest Country Day School serves students from more than 30 communities throughout the North Shore and beyond. A regional center of excellence for early childhood, elementary, and middle school education for children ages 2 to Grade 8, LFCDS is committed to inspired teaching, academic rigor, attention to individual needs, and responsible citizenship as well as the dedication to producing students of strong character with a passion for learning. For more information on LFCDS, please visit www.lfcds.org or call (847) 234-2350.