A former School District 146 Central Middle School student was recently selected to become a part of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), beginning in the fall.
Michael Harms, a 2014 Central Middle School graduate applied for a coveted tryout after learning about the audition from a friend. Michael said, “I found out from a friend about the auditions. The CYSO application process required that I send in a résumé of all my accomplishments. I was accepted for an audition and it was set for April 15th at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago. After about a month after tryouts I learned of my acceptance into the CYSO.”
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Michael began his musical pursuit four years ago as a student at School District 146. He played the cornet (similar to a trumpet) for the first three years and the trumpet for the last. Asked why he chose the trumpet, Michael said, “My sisters played the woodwinds when I was growing up and I wanted to do something different, so I had to choose between a French horn and a cornet. I just felt more comfortable playing the cornet. Then after a few years I changed to the Trumpet.”
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His dedication to music has brought him many opportunities, CYSO being one of them. The Central Middle School Marching Band was one of his most overall favorite experiences and best memories. “I always felt like I was part of something important. I met most of my friends in the Central Middle School Band. We learned to work together to accomplish great things, like when we won two Illinois State titles. We also had an incredible band director. Mr. Freeland always encouraged me to be the best that I could be. He is such a positive and nice guy, and truly gifted at what he does. An opportunity to learn under Mr. Freeland is alone a good enough reason to join the band program at Central. Everything that he taught, and that I learned from him, is irreplaceable. I will truly miss him and his guidance.”
Michael practices his trumpet every day for a minimum of one hour. He realizes that his commitment to high school studies, the Sandburg Band, and private practice will increase tremendously. “My Saturdays will be all about rehearsing several hours with the CYSO during the school year, and then during the week I have to keep up with my studies and my high school band commitment. It’s going to be a huge undertaking, but I am very excited about it.”
Mr. and Mrs. Harms, Michael’s parents, are just as positive about his future in music and credit his passion to play and pursue music to the Central Middle School Band Director, Mr. Jason Freeland and the Assistant Director, Mrs. Cassandra Blas. “Mr. Freeland and Mrs. Blas are two of the most extraordinary teachers. They give unconditionally to the kids in the Central Middle School band program,” said Mrs. Harms. “The respect that they share with the students is one of the most pronounced qualities of this program. We believe this shared respect is the key component for the success of this program. The kids feel safe and respected, and therefore they are able to produce this amazing, award-winning music.”
The Chicago Youth Symphony Band is open to students from ages 6-18 years, and Michael hopes to remain with them until the age of 18. After that he says he wants to further his musical education. “I am committed to my music. I would like to compose and perform professionally someday. When I finally head off to college in four years, I hope to study Music Theory and Performance.”
For more information about the School District 146 Central Middle School Band Program, please contact Mr. Jason Freeland via email at jfreelan@district146.org.
