Hawthorn Middle School South Musicians Receive Honor

Hawthorn Middle School South’s seventh- and eighth-grade Symphonic Band members recently gave one of the most prestigious performances of their musical careers when they played for the state’s top music educators.

The group received a special invitation to perform for the Illinois Music Educators Association annual conference in Peoria on Jan. 26. 

The group was selected after conference organizers reviewed audition tapes from hundreds of middle school and high school ensembles. The Hawthorn Middle South band was joined by the Vernon Hills High School Wind Ensemble, Women’s Choir and Symphony Orchestra in making the trip to Peoria. 

“The Hawthorn community has a long tradition of excellence in fine arts,” said Middle School South’s veteran band director, Jim Garbrecht. “These kids are tremendous musicians who have been working very hard to perfect their skills. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”