Highlights of Norwood Orchestra’s Chicago performance & tour

Guest blog by Allison Craig

The Norwood Orchestra just returned from an exciting performance in Chicago, IL! April 16-18, the orchestra participated in a music clinic at Elmhurst College and performed for people from all over the world at the Field Museum. We also learned about the history of Chicago on the lake and river boat tour and saw how much the city of Chicago values the fine arts through the parks they have such as Millennium Park. One of the highlights was attending a performance of the Blue Man Group. In addition to the cultural aspects of our trip, we spent time on the Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place, the John Hancock building observation deck and Navy Pier.

The group of students who performed and participated in this trip received several compliments. Our clinician at Elmhurst College complimented the posture and playing technique of the orchestra as well as their ability to perform difficult dynamic contrasts. During our performance at the Field Museum, several audience members commented on how professional the orchestra looks and sounds, and one even called home to let a friend hear us play! Also, the architectural tour guide gave us a huge compliment stating that Norwood’s student group ranks in her top 10 school ever (in terms of respect, behavior etc). Norwood should be very proud of this group of fine students, I know I am!

Allison Craig
Strings Specialist, Director of Orchestras
Norwood City Schools