Dist. 21 jazz bands represent community at local jazz fests
This past week, the jazz bands from District 21 in Wheeling took their shows on the road to both the Northshore Jazz Festival at Glenbrook South High School as well as the Jazz Jamboree at Thomas Middle School. All the bands represented the high quality music education that students receive in District 21's Instrumental Music Program.
Both Cooper Middle School (Buffalo Grove) and Holmes Middle School (Wheeling) brought two jazz bands each to the Northshore Jazz Festival.
All bands received a Division 1 rating. Cooper's Jazz Band I received first place in the Jazz Band I category, while Jazz Band II received second place in the Jazz Band II category.
Holmes Middle School's Jazz Band II received first place in the Jazz Band II category.
“It's amazing to see the District 21 bands going out and representing our community year after year with their high level performances,” commented Holmes Jazz Band II director Bryan Itzkowitz.
London Middle School (Wheeling) Jazz Band II went to the non-competitive Jazz Jamboree at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights and performed a great set of music. After their performance, they had a 30-minute clinic, in which they continued to develop their high level of musicianship.
Director Andrew Malovance said of the festival, “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to play in front of a good audience, and to get positive feedback from some of the field's best professional clinicians.”
Holmes Jazz Band I director Jeremy Budrow comments, “The day was a total success for all the young aspiring jazz musicians from all the District 21 schools."
Holmes Middle School Assistant Principal Jeff Brusso adds, “District 21 has always been a hub of music talent. Our students and teachers work tirelessly to create the best product possible. Having the opportunity to showcase this to communities outside of our district is really a gift.”
The bands are continuing to prepare for the upcoming Jazz in the Meadows festival at Rolling Meadows High School and the Mundelein Invitational at Mundelein High School.