Several years ago, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Carl Sandburg students were forced to choose their first musical instruments in the school parking lot.

Despite those humble beginnings, these current eighth-grade students have accomplished something not done at the school in the past 25 years: The 8th Grade Symphonic Band will perform at the University of Illinois Bands’ 2025 SuperState Concert Band Festival in May.

“I'm so incredibly proud of our students,” said CSMS Band Director Moulee Gupta. “All the heart, sweat and tears that go into making this program shine certainly pays off when you have amazing students like this 8th grade class. This will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

Due to the rigorous selection process employed by a committee of band directors, selection to perform at Superstate is universally regarded as the highest honor amongst Illinois band directors. This year only seven middle school bands were selected from dozens that applied.

The Band will perform on Friday, May 9 at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois campus in front of a large audience and a panel of four collegiate adjudicators. 

While Carl Sandburg has a history of success, last time the CSMS qualified for SuperState was in 2000. The band qualified each year from 1995 to 2000 and won the festival as the best middle school band in the state in 1997.

“It’s such a long time since Mundelein has had a group that has gone so I don’t think all of the kids and our families have understood what this is,” Gupta said. 

Because of the amount of work that goes into preparing to record an audition, Gupta doesn’t put her students through the process unless she thinks they are ready for it. However, Gupta had a good feeling about these eighth-graders as far back as two years ago.

“Their work ethic was evident to me when they were in sixth grade,” she said. “This is one of the very few bands when you ask them what they like best is “playing challenging music well.” Having that mentality is remarkable.” 

The Mundelein High School Honors Wind Ensemble also qualified for SuperState and will perform at the Krannert Center in May. Gupta said the success of the MHS music program makes it even more special for the eighth graders, knowing that they may have this opportunity again at the next level.

Gupta has some advice for her students before they head to state: “Keep practicing and keep being awesome.”