CMS Band Steps Off to a Great Season

The Central Middle School Marching Band kicked off their 2022 season by performing the National Anthem at the Joliet Slammers baseball game on Wednesday, August 17.

Eighth grade student Abby Galleher was selected to throw out the first pitch, while 10 other lucky students were chosen to join the announcer in the press box to sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch.

The band’s performance was the culmination of weeks of practice during Summer Band Camp at the Middle School. In addition to learning and practicing new music, students were able to take part in team building activities and develop new friendships during their time at Summer Band Camp.

"One thing that is amazing about summer band is meeting new kids and guiding them to success,” said DJ McCarthy, an 8th grade tuba player. “When I was younger I was getting help from the older kids, and now I get a chance to help the younger kids. It's really cool cycle."

The Marching Band will kick off their parade season by traveling to Chicago on September 10 to participate in the Von Steuben Day Parade. The students will also be competing in two other parades this season: the Autumn Festival Parade in Palos Park on September 17 and the Grundy County Corn Festival Parade on October 2.

“The students worked so hard this summer, and I know they will continue doing well as practice continues this fall,” said District 146 Band Director Jason Freeland. “I know I speak for all of District 146 when I say that we wish our students the very best this season as they represent the CMS community with distinction and pride.”

Community Consolidated School District 146 is comprised of Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.