Palatine High School Band Director to Retire After 33 Years

At the final performance of the school year, band students at Palatine High School celebrated first and last experiences they have shared together throughout the years, including a bittersweet moment for their band director. The Senior Recognition Band Concert entitled “Firsts and Lasts” took place on May 8, at 7:30 p.m. The Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensembles performed, 36 seniors were recognized for devoting four years to the program, Tage Larsen of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was the guest performer, and Band Director Raeleen Horn conducted her final concert after 33 years at Palatine High School before retirement. “Throughout the years, we have performed a lot of challenging and fantastic music, and this particular concert was loaded with technical and beautiful music that is challenging even for symphony orchestras to play,” Horn said. “The music that we play is at a very high level and it has remained that way throughout time, and each of the pieces we play has to do with first and last experiences.” The concert’s theme of celebrating first and last experiences is one that Horn felt would be special to share with her students during her last show. For seniors, this is their last concert at Palatine High School and is celebrated in this performance. Also, several awards and recognitions were given to students during the concert. The Illinois High School Association Solo and Ensemble contest medals were presented, as well as “Behind the Scenes” awards for students who go above and beyond for the band program. Additionally, Sargent Beck of the United States Marine Corps presented the Semper Fidelis Award, and one senior received the Outstanding Senior Band Musician Award. Not only will this show wrap up several seniors’ high school experiences, but Horn’s last show has only added to the fond memories she’s created throughout the years. When she first applied at PHS, she was hired to replace someone on a sabbatical leave. Her time turned into much more. She said this final year has allowed her to reflect on firsts and lasts throughout her career. For instance, one of Horn’s seniors is the son of a student she taught during her first year at PHS. “It has been an incredibly bittersweet year for me and bittersweet time,” Horn said. “I will miss the people, and making music with the students. Being surrounded by youthful energy every day is very special, and having students for four years there is quite a bond.” Horn hopes to supervise students at the college level after school is out this year, as well as providing guest speaking opportunities and develop a business to offer free services as a clinician for adjudication purposes, guest conducting, voiceover work, and anything else she can get involved with. She wants to help others in the music field because she said she was helped a lot throughout the years. She also said she would love to come back and see performances at Palatine High School even after she’s gone. “I am going to use my time as a way to give back,” Horn said. “This concert was a special night, and my students were very aware of us sharing this experience together.” Award Recipients:

• Outstanding Senior Band Musician of the Year – Jenna Campbell – Jenna received a $500 scholarship given from Raeleen Horn in memory of Horn’s mother who was a great influence in her life.  Horn has been giving out this monetary award for the last eight years since her mom passed away.
• Behind the Scenes Awards (Students who help out around the department in extraordinary ways)– Roberto Adaya, Kimberly Butlerm, Joanna Cygan, Manny Jacobson, Nate Hockenberry, Hanna Blanck, Gabe Flores, and Rayan Chaterjee.
• Semper Fidelis Band Award – Joe Van Bladel and Emma Goodwin (both drum majors)