This year, the orchestra prepared under the direction of Joanne May, a retired professor of String Education from Elmhurst University. Students also had individualized masterclasses with professional musicians: Ms. Carol Dylan (violin) of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Prof. Susan Blaese (violin) of Elmhurst University, Ms. Ann Forman (viola) of River Trails District, Ms. Cathy Kuna (cello) of the Kairos String Quartet, and Mr. Stephen Reichelt (bass) of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.
For the concert, the students performed “Adoration” by composer Florence Price, “Danzas de Panama” by composer William Grant Still, and “Folk Tune and Fiddle Dance” by composer Percy Fletcher.
In addition to performing renowned works of orchestral literature and working with renowned string performers, the students had a wonderful time creating music, collaborating with master teachers, and making friends with students from schools in the Chicagoland area.
“We are excited to see the students benefit from such an amazing experience,” said WCCHS Orchestra Director Alexandra Wojciechowski, “and bring back that knowledge and experience to their fellow string classmates here at WeGo.”
Photo: WCCHS students participating in the IROC festival are (from left) David Ramos-Perez, Vanessa Miguel-Garcia, Marylynn Smith, Austin Sanchez, Ali Manspeaker, Susana Chavez, Darlyn Espinal, and Shayla Hernandez.
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About West Chicago Community High School
Community High School District 94 provides an outstanding educational experience for approximately 2100 students in grades nine through twelve at West Chicago Community High School. WCCHS serves the communities of Carol Stream, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield. For more information, or to be removed from press release distribution, contact Becky Koltz, coordinator of communications and community relations, at (630) 876-6215.