Six Carl Sandburg eighth graders qualified for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), making it the largest number of CSMS students ever selected for this prestigious honor.
The students, Justin Carvalho, Stella Hunter, Kimberlyn Diaz, Noah Jarrett, Cami Plohr and Cassidy Langford, were selected from among hundreds of middle school musicians in the Lake County area. Only a handful qualified based on their audition scores.
“We are so fortunate to have an extremely talented 8th Grade Symphonic Band this year,” said CSMS Band Director Moulee Gupta. “I am truly honored to be their teacher.”
The students will have a unique opportunity to join other qualifying musicians for a concert on Nov. 2 at Wauconda High School featuring both the Honor Band and the Jazz Band.
Chosen for the Honor Band were: Justin Carvalho (Alto Sax); Stella Hunter (bari sax); Kimberlyn Diaz (clarinet); Noah Jarrett (trombone); and Cami Plohr (trombone). Chosen for the Jazz Band were: Justin Carvalho (jazz alto sax); Stella Hunter (jazz bari sax): Cassidy Langford (jazz alto sax); and Cami Plohr (jazz trombone).
These students worked on their music during the summer months and with Gupta the first two months of the school year. Twelve students were invited to audition virtually by submitting recordings links to the ILMEA database.
Gupta said the students who auditioned have the right kind of mindset on preparing their music to the highest standard.
“The students spent an enormous amount of time preparing the music,” Gupta said. “Consistent practicing and accurate preparation helped them achieve this goal. This kind of practice will be a tremendous asset to them as they continue at Mundelein High School next year.”
The preparation and effort put in by all 12 students has made them all that much better on their instruments, Gupta said. It also puts them in leadership positions among the CSMS band.
“The other students have seen how much work goes into this audition. Not only are these students leaders in band, but they are leaders in our school. I can’t wait for them to continue to thrive at MHS next year.”