By Lisa Zebedee
Miguel Juarez would like to recognize all of the incredible students who participated in this year’s district-wide music festival.
The Waukegan Public Schools’ annual Middle School Music Festival took place on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, at the stunning Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan. This highly anticipated event showcased the remarkable talent of students from all five Waukegan middle schools, with more than 800 student musicians taking the stage.
The festival featured performances from each school’s music groups, including band, choir, orchestra, and mariachi ensembles, highlighting the diverse and vibrant musical culture within our schools.
This year’s festival was particularly exciting for many of the students, as it represented a unique and special opportunity: for many of them, it was their first time performing as part of a large, unified ensemble. Although each group had been rehearsing separately in the months leading up to the event, the students came together just hours before stepping onto the stage for their first full rehearsal as one. The experience of merging these different musical groups into a single performance is a moment of great anticipation and joy for both the students and their families.
The Genesee Theatre, known for its historic architecture and beautiful acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of music and student achievement. As the students took their places on stage, their nerves and excitement were palpable. The festival not only allowed them to showcase their hard work and dedication but also gave them a platform to celebrate the power of collaboration and the importance of community. For many of these young musicians, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to share the stage with their peers from different schools and musical backgrounds.
Whether it was the brass section of the band, the harmony of the choir, the strings of the orchestra, or the vibrant rhythms of the mariachi group, the Middle School Music Festival demonstrated the incredible diversity of musical talent within the Waukegan schools. And as the students took their final bows after each performance, the sense of accomplishment and pride was evident on every face.
This event serves not only as a showcase of musical talent but also as a reminder of the vital role that music plays in building connections, fostering creativity, and nurturing the personal growth of students. For the students who participated, it was a memorable experience that they will surely carry with them throughout their academic careers and beyond.
A special thank you to our incredible Choir Director, Dr. Clark, our fabulous Orchestra Director, Ms. Sander, and our awesome Band Director, Mr. Say. Thank you for all you do.