On Saturday, May 2nd, the PBL Junior High Band and Chorus programs traveled to Gurnee, IL, to participate in the prestigious Music in the Parks festival. It was a day defined by high-level performance, school pride, and well-deserved fun at Six Flags Great America.
The journey began bright and early, with students, staff, and parent chaperones departing at 8:00am. The competitive portion of the day took place at Viking Middle School, where both ensembles showcased months of preparation and talent.
Award-Winning Performances
The PBL ensembles delivered impressive results against tough competition:
7th & 8th Grade Choir: Earned 1st Place in the Treble Choir Division.
7th & 8th Grade Band: Secured 4th Place in their class division with an overall Excellent rating.
Director Reflections
Mrs. Tiffany Howard, Junior High Choir Director, expressed immense pride in her students' courage. "They performed with a smaller group because not all choir students were able to attend, and they still did so well," Howard shared. "I am so proud of their hard work."
Mrs. Dayna Breen, Junior High Band Director, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the students' growth. "I’m really proud of how our band students have risen to the occasion this year, especially for this performance," Breen said. "With a smaller group at the festival than we typically have, they took on leadership roles and truly held their own. This year’s music is more challenging, and their effort has made each performance possible."
Memories at the Park
Following the awards and performances, the group headed to Six Flags Great America. Students spent the afternoon building memories on the coasters and enjoying the park before departing for Paxton at 6:00pm. It was a full day of travel and music that served as a great reward for the students' hard work and dedication to their music.
Special Thanks
The music department would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Band Parents Association, who generously provided the custom shirts for the trip. These gestures help our students look and feel like a unified team!
View the Day in Photos: Click here to see pictures from our Six Flags trip!