String orchestras from Robert Frost Middle School and Thomas S. Wootton High School will be taking the stage this week at the The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
Held annually since 1946, The Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest instrumental music education conference, drawing more than 18,000 music educators, students and professionals from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
Only a select number of ensembles are invited to perform each year. Ensembles submit audio recordings, evaluations from highly regarded professionals and other information about their school, which are reviewed by members of The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors without identifying school or director names.
The conference serves as a global hub for advancing music education, featuring more than 50 concerts, 125 clinic sessions and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new repertoire, instructional strategies and innovations in music teaching. Concert programs highlight ensembles from around the world and serve as models for music educators internationally.
Wootton’s Chamber Orchestra will perform on Dec. 17, followed by Frost’s Advanced Orchestra on Dec. 18, both at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
To prepare for their performances, the schools hosted a joint concert on Dec. 4.
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For students at Frost and Wootton, the invitation represents far more than a performance opportunity, it reflects years of dedication, teamwork and personal growth. Read how they are feeling.
“Being in this orchestra has not only helped me improve my playing skills, but has also helped me develop long lasting friendships and lessons that I’ll use later on in my life beyond music. So while I not only feel honored that I get to experience something as prestigious as The Midwest Clinic, I’m even more grateful that I get to do it with such an incredible community.” – Katelyn
“Being in this orchestra, surrounded by the nicest people is what I look forward to everyday when I go to school. The community is welcoming, and supportive regardless of how you play. Performing and preparing for The Midwest Clinic is truly a once-in-a-lifetime privilege. And since I can experience it with some of my closest friends, that makes it 20X better.” – Levi
“Being a part of this orchestra has given me the chance to grow while sharing meaningful experiences with my peers. Just being in The Midwest Clinic is an incredible honor, and I feel proud to represent our school here in Chicago.” – Brandon
“I love being a part of an orchestra because it’s a team effort to work towards something bigger than yourself, where every player and our conductor are essential. I can’t wait to perform at The Midwest Clinic and see all our hard work pay off!” – Ahana
“I love being in Orchestra 3 because of all the friends I made while being in orchestra, and because playing in sync with everybody else when making music that sounds really good also feels amazing. Performing in the Midwest Clinic feels like something really special to me and I’m really happy to have this chance to do something so awesome” – Sophie L.
“This orchestra feels like a second family. I’ve made so many wonderful memories while learning how to grow not just as a musician but also as a person. I am incredibly grateful that we get to share this experience together at The Midwest Clinic!” – Sophie Z.
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“I have really enjoyed being in this orchestra because it helped me grow so much as both a musician and a student. I will remember the memories I made here for a lifetime.” – Kevin
“Being in a school orchestra ended up impacting my life much more than I expected. I earned new opportunities, became more focused on teamwork, and made lots of connections. Being able to perform at The Midwest Clinic is important because, to me, it symbolizes the reward of our hard work and growth.” – Melanie
“I am truly grateful and honored to be performing at The Midwest Clinic this year. This has been such a big and exciting accomplishment for our orchestra that deeply reflects our hard work and devotion, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together!” – Roya
“Being in this orchestra is very important to me because it has brought me many valuable benefits, including perseverance, a strong sense of responsibility, and a life-long hobby. Adding on, I have made many friends and have been given many opportunities to build upon important skills. Therefore, I am absolutely honored and thrilled to perform at The Midwest Clinic.” – Claire.
“This orchestra is important to me because of the friendships I’ve made and the new skills I learned, and with the inspiration and encouragement from Mrs. Cameron, I was able to achieve deeper things that I didn’t know I was able to do. It’s an honor for us to perform at the Midwest Clinic and we can gain a lot of experience and grow from it.” – Albert.
“Being in this orchestra has meant the world to me, especially because there’s all these people who support and care about you. I was so excited when we got into the Midwest Clinic, because it was an achievement that not only I could celebrate by myself, but also an achievement that we could celebrate together as a whole orchestra ensemble. I truly feel happiness for everyone who was on this journey and I want to congratulate everyone for trying so hard and getting in!” – Derek
“Being in the Robert Frost Advanced Orchestra is very valuable to me because it has brought me to understand the true meaning of an orchestra. It is a community that supports each other and drives everyone to reach their best potential. With the encouragement of my section and Mrs. Cameron, I have reached musicianship I never thought I could. Adding on, I made life-long memories I will keep in my heart forever.” – Elise.
Read the original article at mcps