Music Education Thriving at Fremd High School

With more than 500 students enrolled in band, orchestra or choir at Fremd High School in Palatine this fall, the music department is set to experience one of its largest increases in years.  

Orchestra alone is growing by 25 percent with 45 freshmen. Choir voices are expected to be a bit deeper with the addition of 15 freshmen boys increasing the number to 115 students. The band program remains strong with more than 250 members for the sixth straight year and a freshmen class of over eighty. 

What’s behind the success?  

We could speculate for days on that one – quality music teachers, a renewed emphasis on the arts in the junior high schools and of course parents providing musical opportunities for their children at younger and younger ages. 

But I think Fremd’s graduating seniors say it best in their band biographies published annually in the “Senior Recognition” Band Concert programs.  

Two years ago, my son’s eighth grade band teacher encouraged parents and students to attend one of the yearend high school band concerts. She felt it would give us a taste of what we would experience over the next four years.  

It was kismet that we chose “Senior Night” featuring the two uppermost bands as well as an awards ceremony and “End of the Year” slideshow.  

Not to mention the treasured concert program. 

The students’ reflections provided a behind the scenes insider’s view of life in Fremd’s music program. Memories of band class, marching band seasons and band trips were shared along with many thanks to the music teachers they had along their journey.  

One of my favorites was the state honored musician who wrote he wanted to quit band his freshman year yet was headed to the University of Illinois to major in Music Education. 

And the student who declared band as the catalyst for the formation of many of her  most solid relationships. She couldn't imagine what high school would have been like without her best "bandos!"

Plus the many others who viewed band class as an oasis from their rigorous academic coursework – a place to relax and play their instrument.

Reading those 51 biographies gave me more than a glimpse of what was to come; they gave me the opportunity to read the last chapter of the book. 

Instantly I knew my son’s choice to continue with band in high school was a good one. Not only would he grow as a musician those next four years but he was going to come out on the other side with fabulous friendships and memories to last a lifetime. 

Just like those seniors two years ago, last year and again this week. 

These “Senior Recognition” Band programs are keepers – as reminders of youthful exuberance and how Fremd's music program played an important role in these students' lives.

To those parents out there trying to decide if driving to lessons, reminding your child to practice and even forcing them to try out for band is worth it - watch and listen to the video of the Class of 2011's senior musical finale. 

They've come a long way since their first 5th grade concert. 

Download the movie