On April 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the third band concert of the year was held, featuring the LT Concert Bands, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. 

“Even though the band has multiple performances left this year, this concert is the final ‘band only’ concert for the year,” band director Mark Dahl said. “We were also able to announce the Wind Ensemble being selected for Superstate.”

During the concert on Feb. 5, the wind ensemble recorded their audition.

“There was extra pressure on the Wind Ensemble because we were recording for Superstate,” Ella Kelly ‘25 said. “If accepted into Superstate, the band performs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and we perform alongside all the top schools in the state. So, it’s a privilege to be invited.”

To be accepted into Superstate, the band must be invited and then submit an audition, Kelly said. She has attended for the past two years.

“We were focused on getting the best recording, which created additional stress,” Kelly said. “Now that we’ve been accepted into Superstate, we were more relaxed and could just enjoy playing music together.”

Superstate will be on Saturday, May 10 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“I feel like if we made a mistake, there wasn’t as much pressure on that,” Kelly said. “I felt sentimental, especially at the end of the concert, because they had all the seniors stand up, and our directors awarded four musicians.” 

Drum major Dahlia Highland ‘25 was presented the John Philip Sousa Award, which is voted on by all of the band members. Drum Lieutenant Jack Farley ‘25, Band Captain Sara McMillan ‘25, and Drum Major Katherine Suttle ‘25 were also presented the Directors’ Awards.

“My favorite part is getting to recognize and thank our seniors,” Dahl said. “The seniors are one of the most important groups each year. They set the standard for performance and rehearsal expectations for the entire program. Our success is based on their hard work and commitment. We will miss them, but we wish them the very best as they move into the next chapter of their lives.”