“Running a band trip is an excellent way to build a music program and to generate interest,” said Matt Heeley, Banting music teacher and band leader.

The band spent a lot of time practicing to prepare for the large event. Instruments were chosen in late fall, and the band rehearses twice a week for about an hour. Besides the regular rehearsals, band members also develop their music during at home practicing three to four hours a week.

Heeley said that band trips are great for the student musicians.

The festival performances were held at Bolingbrook High School, just outside Chicago. Before hitting the stage, the band was allowed 15 minutes to warm up. After performing, they were given instant feedback by three adjudicators, all of which were heads of university music departments.

The Banting concert band features several instruments, including the flute, French horn, saxophone and clarinet.

Grade 10 Banting student Alex Clarke has played the French horn for two years. However, in his opinion, he could have fared better.

“A lot of us were pretty nervous about being in a high level contest,” he said.

Improving their style will likely take little time, but the students were awarded a bronze standing during a ceremony at the city’s Medieval Times.

Even though the music festival was the main purpose of the trip, there was still plenty of time to visit Chicago’s most popular attractions. The students went to a Chicago symphony, as well as the Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium and spent one day at the Six Flags theme park in Illinois.

Alex said he really enjoyed himself at Six Flags, but was especially impressed by the amazing talent shown by the Chicago Symphony.

“It was insane,” he said.

On the last day, the band had brunch at the House of Blues before ending their memorable trip.

Heeley said the Chicago trip turned out to be a positive event for everyone.

“It was an excellent experience. The chance to bond together as a band was a big difference,” said Heeley.