Lamar Middle School Musicians Head to Chicago

The Lamar Middle School and Fine Arts Academy Symphonic Winds will be performing at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago on Dec. 20.

The Midwest Clinic is an international band and orchestra conference, with only four middle school bands invitedto perform at this year's event. 

Under the baton of Lamar Band Director James Hairston, the Lamar Symphonic Winds will perform eight selections.

Of these works, Come Down Rain by local composer Jack Wilds was commissioned especially for this performance.

This performance at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic adds to the accolades of the Lamar Band program.

The Lamar Symphonic Winds has received the highest rating of "Sweepstakes" at the University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-reading Festival for the past seven years.

In 2015, the band was invited to participate in the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.

Most recently, the group was the recipient of the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors (Commended Winners) in 2017.