Waukegan Middle School Students Perform at Genesee Theatre April 10 - 11

For music students, there's something magical about performing in front of an audience, and on April 10 - 11, students of Waukegan's five District 60 middle schools had the opportunity to do just that at the Waukegan Middle School Music and Art Festival. Sponsored by Bravo Waukegan, a Lake Forest-based nonprofit organization supporting music education in Waukegan public schools, the event brought together more than 1,000 choir, band and orchestra students at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

A network of volunteers, families and friends attended, including community leaders Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, Waukegan District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia, and Waukegan School Board President R. Michael Rodriguez.

"We are thrilled to sponsor this event. The festival is unique because it provides students with the opportunity to perform together within the setting of the beautiful and historic Genesee Theatre," said Karey Walker, executive director, Bravo Waukegan.

The event also gave Bravo an opportunity to thank Waukegan's music teachers, local officials and supporters with a reception following the performances. "The music teachers work tirelessly to share their gift of music with students throughout the year, and we are glad to have the opportunity to say thank you by hosting a reception for them," added Walker.

Bravo Waukegan is an integral partner in supporting music education in the Waukegan public schools and impacts 7,000 students through its programs each year. Bravo provides opportunities for access to new and donated instruments; music instruction during and after school and in the summer; as well as performance and teacher professional development opportunities.

Join Bravo for Its Upcoming Benefit Luncheon

To showcase its successes and share its vision, Bravo will host its annual benefit luncheon Sunday, May 19, at Lake Forest's Onwentsia Club, 300 N. Green Bay Road, from noon - 2 p.m. The event is open to the public, and tickets are $95.

Visit www.bravowaukegan.org/music-connects-us-to-the-world to order benefit tickets online. Or call Bravo at 847.722.5821 for more information or to make reservations. To learn more about Bravo, visit its website at https://www.bravowaukegan.org.