Elias began playing the Alto Saxophone in 5th grade at Balmoral Elementary. Last year, the CMMS Concert Band needed a tuba player and Elias was selected as they were preparing for their contest and festival season. Elias was an integral part to the 2018 District and State *Superior* ratings last year. Elias is also an active member of the CMMS Jazz Band where he continues to learn and perform on his saxophone in addition to keeping up on tuba.
This year, Elias wanted to really apply himself on tuba and decided to audition for the All-Illinois Junior Band. This ensemble is a selective ensemble comprised of the best middle school musicians in the state. Out of 283 applications from 71 different schools, Elias was selected as one of the 90 students to perform. An excellent accomplishment, as he has not even played the instrument for a year yet.
On February 8th and 9th, Elias rehearsed and performed with students from across the state at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Peterson. Music performed on the concert included: The Bonsai Tree by Julie Giroux, The Footlifter by Henry Fillmore, Joy Revisited by Frank Ticheli, Odysseus and the Sirens by Dana Wilson, and American Riversongs by Pierre LaPlante. Elias looks forward to continuing with band in high school and hopes to also attend some band programs in the summer.
Way to go, Elias!