Three students from Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) performed with the Northshore Concert Band in its "Lifetime of Music" concert at Northwestern University recently.
Senior flutist Abel Limon, junior tenor saxophonist Alexandra Damato and junior percussionist Akeelah Taylor joined the professional ensemble for renditions of Gustav Holst's "Second Suite" and John Phillip Sousa's "Hands Across the Sea."
The students said the exposure to a higher level of musicianship was fun and educational.
"It was really nice," Akeelah said. "It was the first time I had a performance with professional musicians. It was nice to learn different conducting styles."
PMSA music teacher Steve Gooden helped arrange the collaboration, which other school officials praised as an opportunity for the students to have their interests validated and encouraged.
"Any time students are able to see that what they do matters in the eyes of others, they are motivated to do more to succeed," District 209 Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart said. "This was an excellent opportunity for our students and one that I hope that they continue to pursue in the future."
Damato and Taylor have expressed interest in doing just that. After the performance, Damato mentioned wanting to be a conductor, and Akeelah hopes to become a music teacher, while continuing to perform.
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