This month, Bernard Zell students will engage with Chicago’s rich musical community by not only performing their own concert, but also attending performances around the city. Attending live performances enhances students’ ability to make connections to their own artistic practice and can be very motivating as they work on their craft and develop their individual artistic expression.

Students are attending two Big Band sets at Andy’s Jazz Club in the South Loop (organized by a Bernard Zell parent), which connects to our study of the Count Basie Orchestra in Jazz Band.

Students will also see the Chicago Symphony in two different settings this month. The first will be this week, as we travel to Symphony Center to see their Sounding Together concert. This program weaves musical pieces that connect with the human values of peace, kindness, and courage, allowing students to emotionally and personally engage with the works.

In addition, the Chicago Symphony string quartet will be performing at our school next week, giving our band and choir students a chance to see professional musicians up close and ask them questions about their craft.

Finally, on Thursday, November 20, Bernard Zell students will present their musical learning at our annual Fall Band and Choir Concert in the Pritzker and Pucker Families Gymnasium on the fourth floor.

November is sure to be a meaningful few weeks of artistic learning and discovery at Bernard Zell!