The most magical time of year is here — and it's sounding better than ever! Across District 99, hundreds of our 4th-8th grade musicians are tuning up their instruments, warming up their voices, and preparing breathtaking winter concerts and art showcases for our community. From now through Dec. 15, you'll have many opportunities to see — and hear — the incredible talents developing within our schools!

One performance in particular marks a big moment for our young musicians: On Tuesday, Dec. 9, all of our intermediate elementary band students will unite on the main stage at Unity Junior High School for a major district-wide concert. This exciting milestone gives students a preview of where they'll continue their musical journeys in middle school — and it shows just how strong and connected our growing music program has become. 

🌟 And speaking of excellence — earlier this month, District 99 proudly hosted the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Junior Music Festival right here at Unity! On Saturday, Nov. 22, four incredibly talented D99 students joined hundreds of their peers from over 60 Chicagoland schools for a full day of collaborative music-making led by master educators. 

Please join us in celebrating our shining stars who represented our district with passion and pride:

🪈 Maya Garduno, Flute — 8th Grade, Unity
🎺 Liam McMaster, Trumpet — 6th Grade, Lincoln
🎵 Allison Aguirre, Choir — 8th Grade, Unity
🎤 Oscar Garcia, Choir — 8th Grade, Unity

This incredible achievement reflects not only the dedication of our students, but also the unwavering support of our educators, families, and community. In District 99, advanced music education begins as early as 4th grade — empowering students with creativity, teamwork, discipline, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

As our Winter Concert Series begin, we invite you to come feel the music and celebrate the progress happening on every stage. Your presence inspires our students — and reminds them that their talent matters. 

District 99 is proud to nurture the arts... and even prouder of the young musicians who are already raising the bar.

The future of music is here — and it sounds amazing.