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Juniors Michele Mackowiak and Shawn LeBaron practice a tune during Wind Ensemble class.
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A busy month for the arts
 Students in band and choir spent several hours of their free time since December preparing for the Solo & Ensemble Contest, which was held last weekend at Northwestern University. The result of their hard work: two perfect scores and 37 Division I ratings out of 44 instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble entries for the Eagles.
Students in band or choir who opt to participate in the annual contest select their own pieces to practice, then master before a judge. Band director Matt Kastor and choir director Colette Todd make themselves available along the way to help the students earn a high rating. Click here to view the complete results.
Even with Solo & Ensemble and a winter band concert in the past, the music department is not through with the month of March quite yet. Next on the agenda is Jazz Night, during which the Jazz Choir and Jazz Band will perform for nearly two hours. The two groups have been rehearsing weekly since August.
"It is a fun and casual night where students get to perform in a much more casual atmosphere," said Kastor. "Plus we are performing music that more people have heard of and may enjoy already."
Jazz Night is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Anyone is welcome to attend, and although there is no charge to enjoy the ambiance of the evening and the snacks and beverages, donations to benefit the music program will be accepted.
"Many people say Jazz Night is one of their favorite concerts of the year..." said Todd. "...The music is swingin' and everyone has a blast."
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