Saint Viator to host Catholic band competition
Take nearly 1,000 high school band students from 20 Chicago area high schools and put them in front of college band directors from Northwestern, University of Illinois and Elmhurst College and you have all the makings for a rousing day of music.
That’s just what to expect at the 33rd annual State of the Art Catholic Band Competition at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Saint Viator High School. Performances continue throughout the day, with bands taking the stage every half-hour.
This will be just the second time the contest will take place in the Northwest suburbs after many years in the South suburbs. Saint Viator is in the second of its three-year commitment to host the competition.
The Knights of Columbus originated the event and they continue to sponsor it as a way to promote the musicianship of band students attending Catholic high schools throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
Beyond Saint Viator’s symphonic band, local ensembles include those from Notre Dame, Fenwick, St. Patrick’s and Marian Catholic high schools.
Last year, Saint Viator took second place in Class AAA, behind nationally ranked Marian Catholic symphonic band of Chicago Heights, which won the class and earned the title of Grand Champion.
Saint Viator’s bands have placed in the top three of their class 14 times over the last 16 years.
Each band will perform three selections designed to show judges their versatility and technique in different styles of literature. Typically, a set includes a rousing march and an overture or classical suite.
Evaluating their performances will be a panel of collegiate band directors, including Peter Griffin, music department chair at Elmhurst College; Dan Farris, director of athletic Bands at Northwestern University; and Barry Houser, director of Marching Illini and athletic bands at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
They will be critiquing musical interpretation, including note accuracy, articulation and rhythm and balance, as well as dynamics and overall, general effect.
Saint Viator High School is at 1213 E. Oakton St. in Arlington Heights. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and teens, and are available at the door. Elementary students are free.
Lunch will be served in the school cafeteria, including pizza and burgers, with chips, refreshments and desserts.
For information, visit www.saintviator.com or contact Paige Wiser, director of Communications at Saint Viator, at (224) 624-1257.
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