The Flossmoor District 161 Board of Education recognized three students for participating in the ILMEA Junior High Music and Jazz Band Festivals at the Dec. 2 board meeting.
“These students worked really hard to prepare the audition music, practiced and submitted a video,” said Elana Reid, Parker’s band director. “It’s a pretty rigorous process, and they did an amazing job.”
The Illinois Music Education Association D1 Jazz Festival took place at Hinsdale Central High School on Nov. 16. The Junior Festival, featuring hundreds of talented students from the area, included band, choir, and orchestra concerts and was held at Cicero’s Unity Junior High on Nov. 23.
Ameya Thigpen represented Parker’s orchestra on cello. Cameron Murrah performed with the symphonic band on tenor saxophone. William Paden participated in the jazz festival, playing alto saxophone.
“This is really quite an accomplishment, and we’re proud of them for all their hard work,” said Reid.
Superintendent Dana Smith congratulated the Parker girls basketball team for an overtime win in their regional game against Mokena on Nov. 26. Their sectional game is against Liberty Junior High from New Lenox on Dec. 11. The game will be played at Lucancic Middle School in Romeoville at 6:30 p.m.
“I want to wish luck to our student-athletes, their coaches and families as they continue another great season,” said Smith. “They’re certainly talented. They have a lot of grit, a lot of toughness. It was great to see them come together as a team.”
If they win sectionals, the Falcons will be two games away from the state title and will move on to the state tournament in Normal on Dec. 14.
