VJA Music Parents Association
Wind Symphony
The Wind Symphony consists of the most advanced musicians in grades 9 - 12. This band meets daily and performs in four concerts along with three - four festivals per year. Every member of the Wind Symphony is strongly encouraged to receive weekly private lessons from professional musicians in the area. The band also works with some of the nation’s most prominent clinicians and guest conductors. Over the years, the Wind Symphony has earned consistent Superior Division Ratings, performed Illinois Music Educator’s Conference, has been selected for the University of Illinois Superstate Band Festival twice, the first time in school history in 2015, and performed at the Music for All National Festival in 2017 as a Featured Ensemble. The Wind Symphony Rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings in addition to the daily class based rehearsals.
Symphonic Band:
The Symphonic Band is made up of students in grades 9 - 12. This band performs music of a challenging nature and focuses on the continuing development of the musical skills of its members. The Symphonic Band performs in four concerts and multiple adjudication festivals annually. Private lessons during band or after school are strongly encouraged of all members in this ensemble, as well as a serious commitment to practicing the literature.
Percussion Ensemble
The percussion ensembles are auditioned in January and are placed for the coming year into the three concert ensembles. The groups rehearse concert band repertoire and a varied range of percussion ensemble literature. Integration rehearsals are held with Concert and Symphonic Bands leading up to performances and the Wind Symphony percussion section rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings with the full ensemble.