Marmion Academy starts band program

Submitted by Marmion Academy

Marmion Academy in Aurora has introduced a new enrichment program in music, the West Suburban Junior Catholic Band. This opportunity is open to surrounding middle schools in an effort to provide early music students the chance to rehearse and perform in a group setting. All students with one year of band experience are eligible. If a band program exists at a student's middle school, he/she must participate in that band program to be eligible.

There is no tuition or fees to participate. Auditions will be required for chair placement and will be determined by judges deemed appropriate by music director Sara Gregory.

Auditions will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora.

Students are asked to prepare a musical piece, scales and sight-reading for the audition.

Once placed, the band will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at Marmion Academy. The band will have three concerts throughout the year: a Christmas performance, date to be determined; a second concert on Jan. 19; and the third on May 15.

Interested individuals should contact Sara Gregory at westsuburbanjuniorcatholicband@gmail.com for a registration form.