High School Band Takes Center Stage at Music Conference

A high school band is set to shine at a big music event. The Ottawa Township High School Wind Ensemble has been chosen to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) in Peoria. This is a pretty big deal. Only four high school bands from across Illinois get this chance each year. The performance is scheduled for January 30th at the Peoria Civic Center. The band will play between 8:15 and 9:30 a. m. in the theater. This group is made up of the best musicians from the high school's band program. Getting selected for this conference is no small feat. Band directors from all over Illinois submit their ensembles for consideration. The application process is tough. It includes recordings, letters of recommendation, and concert programs. A review committee evaluates these submissions and makes the final selections.The band director, Andrew Jacobi, has tried to get into this conference before but was always turned down. This year, though, he got the good news. He says this achievement is a result of the hard work and dedication of the students. The band has been working hard to rebuild their program after the COVID pandemic. Jacobi also credits the support of the entire Ottawa community. He mentions the parents of the music students and his colleague, choir director Ali Stachowicz, for their constant support and enthusiasm. This support has helped the program grow and improve. To get ready for the big performance, the band is hosting a free concert in their high school auditorium on January 26th at 7 p. m. This is a great opportunity for the community to see the band in action before they head to the conference. This event is not just a showcase for the band but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. It's a testament to what can be achieved with support and commitment.