Top-rated ensemble deserves kudos
On Saturday, May 7, the 2011 Libertyville High School Wind Ensemble was named Class AAA State Champion at the University of Illinois Superstate Band Competition. It makes this year’s band the latest inductee into a proud Libertyville tradition, joining former Libertyville High School State Champion Wind Ensembles from 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2009.
Since Illinois Superstate rules prohibit bands named champions from competing in the year following their championship, and because the AAA division is the state’s largest, it’s no stretch to say Libertyville has been home to the best high school band in the state for 15 of the past 16 years.
Congratulations to the band’s directors — Libertyville’s Jeff Daeschler and Grayslake’s Dustin Helvie — and all the 2011 Wind Ensemble members who now call themselves State Champions.
At the same time, shame on the school and our local media outlets for comparatively ignoring this accomplishment vis-Ã -vis accolades awarded championship sports teams. It’s the job of administrators and the Fourth Estate to inform and help people prioritize, not merely to reflect their own best guess at community interest.
When the LHS football team won its lone state title in 2004, there was a parade down Milwaukee Avenue. It’s a fair bet most people in the community are learning of this year’s LHS State Championship via a letter to the editor.
Barry Reszel
Libertyville