Hersey to host Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival
More than 2,700 people are expected to be in attendance on Saturday, April 6, at the 19th annual Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
Forty-five student bands from various local and statewide schools will perform on three separate performance stages.
The festival will feature high school and middle school bands from across the Midwest, showcasing outstanding high school musicians in a noncompetitive environment.
Performing bands will receive feedback from six renowned clinicians and evaluators, as well as exposure to universities, instrument companies, band camps, and others to assist them in making choices for their future in music and education.
There will be a special guest performance by the Elmhurst College Wind Ensemble at 2:50 p.m. on the featured stage under the direction of Dr. James Hile.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights. The John Hersey High School Concert Band will perform at 11:45 a.m. and the John Hersey High School Symphonic Band will take the featured stage at 9 p.m.
The rating ceremony will take place at 9:25 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults (or $12 if entering after 6 p.m.), $7 for students and seniors, or $32 per family (up to two adults and two children). Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the day, as well as souvenir shirts and buttons designed by a John Hersey High School band alumnus.
A memorial button in honor of former John Hersey High School Assistant Band Director Tom Beckwith will be sold as well, and a Cubs ticket raffle for four seats in the first row behind the visitor dugout will be held ($25 per ticket or five raffle tickets for $100). Various community businesses and schools will exhibit during the day as well.
For information on the Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival, visit http://herseyband.com/Fest.
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