OLHMS Band Students take Division I Award once Again!

The past few weeks have been very exciting for the OLHMS Concert and Jazz Ensemble Bands with both competing in the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Northern Division State Contests. The Concert Band competed at Prairie View Middle School in Tinley Park on Saturday, April 23, 2016, and the Jazz Ensemble competed at Lisle Jr. High School in Lisle on Saturday, April 30, 2016.

The Jazz Ensemble was one of only 11 area jazz ensemble/bands to qualify and compete in the State Jazz Contest/Festival. The Jazz Ensemble won a First Division Award for its performance of “The Blues Walk”, “Tres Picos”, and “Avenue Swing”. This is the sixth year in a row that the Jazz Ensemble has qualified for this prestigious contest and have won a First Division Award for the past five years in a row!

The OLHMS Concert Band was one of only 12 area bands to qualify and compete in the State Contest/Festival. The Concert Band won a First Division Award for its performance of “March of Honor”, “Evening Prayer”, and “Barrier Reef”. Since 2010, The Concert Band has qualified for this prestigious award five times and earned a First Division four times!

IGSMA is currently celebrating its 76th year of service to young musicians. The Northern Division covers approximately two-thirds of Illinois, from the line parallel with Springfield to Wisconsin. Nearly 300 public and parochial school districts currently are members. IGSMA’s mission is to foster growth in young musicians as they develop musical awareness through positive assessment of their performances. The achievements earned are a result of teachers, students, and parents working together as partners in the pursuit of excellence.

We salute our young musicians for their hard work and commitment to excellence, and commend their parents/band directors for cultivating participation and high achievement. Arts and music education develops creativity, problem solving skills, and participation and cooperation toward common goals. It teaches students to sacrifice and struggle together in their attainment for celebrating both individual expression and collaborative success. D123 and its music education program is vital to the development of a healthy community.

The OLHMS Concert band is directed by Mrs. Beth Lyons and Mr. John Kehl. The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Mr. John Kehl.