Press Release: 04-17-2012

With the annual Middle School Music Festival nearly a week away, middle school musicians throughout Waukegan Unit School District # 60 are once more preparing to perform at the Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan.

Nearly 800 choir, orchestra and band students in grades 6-8 will take the stage on Wednesday, April 25, for the third annual music festival, which is sponsored this year by Bravo Waukegan and BMO Harris Bank. The evening begins with a choral concert at 6 p.m., followed by band and orchestra performances beginning at 7 p.m.

This year’s Middle School Music Festival will be the largest yet, with six different performances scheduled. Short sets will be performed by Choir 1 and Choir 2, as well as the Festival (seventh and eighth grade) band and orchestra, and the Concert (sixth grade) band and orchestras. Concert goers will also be treated to a special event across from the Genesee Theatre, at Jack Benny Plaza, with vendors and a concert by mariachi band Francisco y Los Veracruzanos.

As in past years, the concert will also feature several guest conductors. Guest conductors include: Dr. Nicholas Wallin, Festival Orchestra; Mr. Nicholas Hersh, Concert Orchestra; Dr. Nancy Whitacre, Concert Band; Dr. Jim Hile, Festival Band; and Mr. James Kinchen and Ms. Kelly Mielcarz will serve as guest conductors for the choirs.

The festival will mark the first time many of the students will perform as one. While each school has been rehearsing together in recent weeks, the groups will combine for their first rehearsal just hours before taking the stage.

“The students have come together wonderfully in the past. The Middle School Music Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the year of these students, and that excitement is evident on stage,” said Ms. Karen Griffin, District 60 lead teacher for band and orchestra.

All community members are invited to come out and support the students of the Waukegan Public Schools and attend a free performance at the Genesee Theatre. Street parking in downtown Waukegan is free after 5 p.m. There is a fee to park in the City of Waukegan’s parking garage at the corner of Grand Avenue and County Street.

Email Contact: nalajakis@wps60.org