The Southeastern Wind Symphony took the long ride to Chicago by bus and vans to play at the fourth annual Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival on March 9 in Orchestra Hall for a unique experience.
Along with three other groups performing, the Southeastern Wind Symphony played multiple pieces in celebration of Percy Aldridge Grainger, an Australian composer known for his folk tunes.
“The actual performance in Orchestra Hall was a once in a lifetime experience and definitely the highlight of the trip,” said Carlye Latas, sixth chair French horn player and President of the Lambda Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.  “It’s comparable to a football player going from playing a game in Strawberry Stadium and then Cowboy Stadium. Having the opportunity to make music in a venue like that with 67 of your closest friends is indescribable.”
Dr. Glen J. Hemberger, director of bands and conductor of the Wind Symphony, held auditions for the ensemble at the beginning of the year.  These auditions were held early, whereas usually they are held in the spring, due to how important the concert was.  Students were added to the ensemble throughout the year and rehearsed the pieces for the performance.
Pieces performed by the Southeastern Wind Symphony consisted of “Rocky Point Holiday” by Ron Nelson, “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Aldridge Grainger and “Dance 1 from Jazz Suite 2” by Dmitri Shostakovich.
“Lincolnshire Posy” held a special significance for Latas, and being able to play it to honor Grainger only added to the excitement Latas felt.
“Incidentally, it is one of the very first pieces I played on French horn, as well as the first piece I ever played with the Southeastern Wind Symphony,” said Latas.
This piece was also the piece the Chicago Symphony Brass played the first time Latas visited the Orchestra Hall.
“To play ‘Lincolnshire Posy’ in Orchestra Hall was, as cliché as it sounds, a dream come true,” said Latas.
All those on the trip not only performed at Orchestra Hall, but experienced much more of Chicago’s attractions.  The group enjoyed the Magnificent Mile, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower and even the deep-dish pizza of the city.
“While it took a village to make this trip happen, this trip certainly would not have been possible without the leadership and direction of our conductor,” said Latas.  “Dr. Hemberger dedicates his time and energy to finding opportunities such as these to further his students’ musical and educational careers. We, as his students, are extremely grateful for the chance of a lifetime to perform in one of the best concert halls in the country, along with all the other experiences he offers us here at Southeastern.”
Funds for the trip came from multiple sponsors as well as Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity.