Key Features of the NCB Festival of Music,

according to previous participants

·  Our solo & ensemble judges are supportive and give extensive feedback, both oral and written.

“The Northshore Concert Band is an example of perfection in concert band performance. To have these outstanding musicians available to share their expertise and love of music with student musicians in a very positive and encouraging way is an invaluable learning opportunity.”

--Patricia White, private teacher, Addison, IL

·  Our concert band clinics provide an opportunity that isn’t available anywhere else. Bands work with highly regarded directors—all of whom have a great deal of clinic experience—in a noncompetitive, non-rated format.

"The trip to Northwestern University to perform as part of the Northshore Band Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The bonding done by students while visiting the city and performing together in Pick-Staiger is invaluable to the program. The band immediately plays with more focus and accuracy after attending a clinic. It is truly one of the most beneficial activities you can do with your band.”

--Michael Ross, Band Director, Appleton West High School Bands, Appleton, WI

“The biggest advantage for me to come to the Northshore Band Festival is that it accommodates my group which consists of a multitude of ages—5th graders through seniors in high school. We get a variety of experience, and I don’t have to go to different sites to get the same job done. I get everything done in one day.”

--Karen Kurtz, Band Director, Westlake Christian Academy, Grayslake, IL

·  Participants appreciate our efforts to coordinate performance times, so that students can participate in many components of the Festival.

“The staff is extremely flexible in working out time conflicts for the students performing.”

—Chelsea Valenzo, Chicago, IL

·  It’s a great opportunity for students to visit a major university and for bands to perform in an acoustically superior facility like Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

“It is a rich and rewarding experience for students to prepare and learn from experts in their fields. Add the inspirational setting of Northwestern University and the students walk away with memories that will last well into the future!”

--Renee DeJager, Band Director, Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, IL