Top District 211 music students perform in Honors Orchestra concert

Some of the most advanced District 211 band and orchestra students recently showcased their talents during an hourlong concert.

This year's District 211 Honors Orchestra concert was held Feb. 9 in the auditorium at Conant High School. Band and orchestra students districtwide were part of the performance.

“This is an involved rehearsal process that culminates in a highly polished performance and it's an experience that leaves a lifelong impression on the students,” said Susan Carlson, director of orchestras at Schaumburg High School.

The featured works on the program were Glinka's “Russlan and Ludmilla” overture, Beethoven's “5th Symphony” (last movement), “Danzon No. 2” by Arturo Marquez, and “Danse Bacchanale” from Camille Saint-Saëns' opera “Samson and Delilah.”

The guest conductor was Steve Eggleston, professor of music and chairman of the woodwinds, brass and percussion department at the Illinois Wesleyan Civic Orchestra, and the music director and conductor of the IWU Wind Ensemble.

Students started working with him a week before the concert and he engaged them in the process of understanding advanced orchestral literature.

“He is clearly an experienced educator with the students' needs in mind, and is able to effectively communicate ideas and concepts in a variety of ways,” Carlson said.

The performance culminated with a standing ovation from the audience and an encore.

“As an educator, I, along with my colleagues, am proud to be a part of such an endeavor,” she said. “It truly is a gem in the District 211 crown.”