Orchestra

Orchestra

Illiana Christian High School has many opportunities for students to get involved in musical arts. One place students can grow their passions is through our multiple orchestral style bands. Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra offer students a high-quality music education while encouraging them to glorify God with their gifts. We take immense pride in our music program and hope you find a place to join us!

• Symphonic Band: Symphonic Band is open to an unlimited number of students who have reached a certain level of proficiency on their instrument. The band performs original works for band, sacred music, and orchestral transcriptions. Students in this band also work out of band method books to improve their playing skills on their instrument and their knowledge of music theory. In the spring the Symphonic Band combines with the Wind Ensemble to form the Marching Band, which marches in two or three, parades a year.
• Wind Ensemble: Wind Ensemble is Illiana Christian’s most advanced band. This is a select ensemble limited to 54 members. Students attend one after school sectional per week as part of the class requirement. The group performs mostly advanced wind band literature and sacred music, however, in the spring the band will perform a pops concert including Broadway show tunes, movie themes, etc. The band also participates in IHSA Concert Festivals and other various concert band competitions throughout the country. In the spring, the Wind Ensemble combines with the Symphonic Band to form the Marching Band, which marches in two or three parades a year.
• Orchestra: Orchestra is a newer addition to Illiana’s musical repertoire. Led by Mr. Andy Anderson, this group of students focuses on using orchestral instruments and growing in their skills of a traditional Orchestra. Beginning Orchestra is open to string players entering grades 9-12. Educational emphasis is placed on the advancement of technique, further development of music reading skills, intonation, musicianship, and style. Group performances will include music written for orchestra and/or string ensemble. Literature will contain both classical and popular pieces. 

Glorifying God through music is important for every student at ICHS. In Genesis 1:28 we are commanded to subdue the Earth. This implies that all areas of human endeavor should come under Christ’s domination. Students who attend Illiana Christian should see the glory of God in the Arts as well as all other areas of the curriculum. Students should see their talents as gifts of God, to be used for his glory, not just for entertainment, self-gratification, or any other reason. 

The curriculum in the Music Department is designed to help the students become the musicians God intends them to be. Students will be given skills of musicianship, vocal and instrumental technique, and interpretation to glorify God throughout their adult life, thus enriching the Christian community. In the Music Department, individual skills are augmented with group dynamics. 

The bands and choirs are specialized communities within the Christian academic community. Students will be taught to have a responsible attitude toward other musicians, contributing their own talents to the good of the group. This includes musicianship, behavior towards others, a sense of responsibility toward the group and its objectives, and faithful attendance at all concerts.