Leyden students earn Superior Division I ratings at IHSA music contest

Leyden musicians in the Symphonic Orchestra, String Band, East Concert Band and West Concert Band received a Superior Division I rating for their performances at the IHSA music contest held in April. The students perform under the direction of department chair Bryan Miller and teacher Michele Vazquez.

In the end, the district's musicians in the Symphonic Orchestra, String Band, East Concert Band and West Concert Band received a Superior Division I rating for their performances, the highest rating possible.

According to Bryan Miller, music department chair, performances are adjudicated by a panel of three career field experts who collectively have more than a century of music education experience. "This is a fantastic accomplishment, and is especially impressive because Leyden is one of the very few schools choosing to enter all program levels in the IHSA state contest. It is comparable to freshmen playing at the varsity level and getting the highest scores," he says.

Music students go to great lengths to keep music classes in their schedule, Miller explains. They are "fiercely dedicated to the activity and loyal to each other" he notes, adding that the students' families are exceptionally supportive.

In addition to Miller, Leyden's bands and orchestra are taught and directed by Michelle Vazquez, a district music teacher. "I am very proud of the wonderful work being done by Ms. Vazquez and our band and orchestra students. It is fantastic to see so many kids involved, and even better to see them all come together to be so very successful at such a high visibility event like the IHSA state contest," he says.