Press release courtesy of Vernon Hills High School

The Vernon Hills High School Music Department won its second consecutive IHSA Class A State Championship.

This championship is determined by scores from two competitions - the Solo and Ensemble Contest in March and the Band, Choir and Orchestra Contest in April.

Vernon Hills received 966 points, placing the school 111 points ahead of the second place school in Division A. This score is a new record for VHHS and the second highest point total in all divisions this year.

There are 327 students in curricular music courses at VHHS, almost 25 percent of the student enrollment. Every student in the program has some role in the competition for the IHSA state championship.

In addition to being competitive, the contest is also educational. Students work to perfect a solo and ensemble for comments and a rating. They grow as musicians as they earn points for their school. Each Division I rating earns six points for the school and each Division II rating earns three points. The band, orchestra and choir contest takes place in April with 75 points for each Division I rating. Adjudicators also give comments. The school with the most points in each classification will earn the title of State Champion.

The VHHS music department is under the direction of department supervisor and orchestra director Frank Lestina. Music teachers include Fran Fatta, orchestra, Jeremy Little, choir, and Randy Sundell, band.

For more information, contact Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor Frank Lestina at 847-932-2282.

By: Tara Clifton At 05/09/2008 - 3:50pm |  |  |