By JENNY ROSAS, Contributor

The Vandegrift band drumline, led by percussion director Joe Hobbs, performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, which takes place Dec. 20 – 23.

This marks the first time in VHS history for the school to attend this event. A total of 24 VHS students attended, along with all four band directors, parents and family. Seven of these students have participated in the Midwest event as middle schoolers from Four Points and Canyon Ridge middle schools.

The audition and application process began last spring. The VHS percussion section was required to send a 15-20 minute video of the ensemble playing. They chose musical pieces from the spring 2017 concert and submitted three pieces. The group was informed in March that they were one of only two percussion ensembles selected to perform at this year’s conference.

The Vipers performed on Dec. 22 and played a total of nine pieces, with two pieces as world premieres, specifically written for Vandegrift to perform at this concert.

While in Chicago, the students were scheduled to visit a Blue Man Group performance, see a Bulls basketball game, eat at Giordano’s Pizzeria, and visit Willis Tower, commonly referred to as the Sears Tower.

“Thanks so much to the community and the Vandegrift faculty  and staff for their continued support,” said Hobbs, VHS percussion director.

Midwest Clinic VHS percussion members

Richard Dang

Izzy Ramirez

Cole Krant

Brandon Sheneman

Jackson Hoopes

Luke Salazar

Tobi Spitz

Crosby Wahlberg

Joe Weatherby

Justin Jalamo

Luke Kemmerer

Jake Silvia

Jaqueline Hines

Chris Lesniak

Ben Drablos

Amber Nguyen

Kunal Gupta

Jordan Apra

Isabella Verratti

Alex May

Samantha Sandal

Kyle Legg

Kylie Bryan

Cameron Brighton