School's patriotic concert is an emotional tribute

The Lisle Junior High symphonic band had barely broken into its medley called "Salute to American Heroes" when director Lisa Kiener-Barnett heard rustling behind her.

Here she was, standing in front of her 74-member band performing tunes to celebrate each branch of the armed services during a concert to observe Veterans Day, and she wasn't exactly sure what was going on in the audience.

She turned to see veterans in full uniform coming down the aisles carrying the flags of their service branches and then standing proudly at the front of the auditorium.

The emotion of the moment is something Kiener-Barnett won't forget for a while.

"I didn't know they were doing it," she said. "It was really very moving."

That was a year ago, but it's the kind of thing that keeps a couple hundred people a year coming back to the school's annual Veterans Day concert, which features the band under Kiener-Barnett's direction and the 65-member concert choir headed by Patricia Kerback.

This year's performance begins at 7 p.m. today in the school auditorium, 5207 Center Ave. The 45-minute public concert is free.

Kiener-Barnett says the school began presenting the event in 2001, in the wake of the terrorist attacks, and it's continued to build an audience ever since.

It combines music with dramatic readings by Principal Timothy Pociask and two members of the student council. Members of the Lisle VFW post the colors.

Pociask said he's usually more of a behind-the-scenes guy, "but for this type of program I'm proud to participate."

The songs are unabashedly patriotic, from "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful" to a medley called "Within These Hallowed Halls" that includes "Amazing Grace" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

It's a way to honor our veterans, Kiener-Barnett says, while also teaching students about the sacrifices those men and women have made.

Band members have been rehearsing since the start of the school year, she said, "and I explain the history of all the songs to them."

It seems to sink in.

"It's a solemn, serious program," she said, and that's reflected by both the student performers and the audience members.

But despite the power of the music and the readings, everybody involved knows it's the vets who are the real stars of the show.

When they stand to be recognized, with the music swelling around them, it's hard not to feel a tingle.

"It's a special day," Pociask said, "and sometimes the emotion just tugs at your heart."

If you go

What: Veterans Day Band and Choir Concert

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Lisle Junior High School auditorium, 5207 Center Ave.

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 493-8275