This year, our Lisle 202 Music Program received a transformative boost from a grant awarded by the DuPage Foundation. The grant has paved the way for creative and experiential opportunities for our students, allowing for a variety of musical interactions for our students, and now, that same spirit of innovation is reaching our 6th grade Concert Band.

Drawing on his connection to St. Olaf College, where he proudly played trombone in the renowned St. Olaf Band under the mentorship of celebrated composer Dr. Timothy Mahr, LJHS 6th grade band director Mr. Phillip Meyer reached out to commission a special project to be performed at the Lisle 202 District Band Festival on March 26, 2025. Dr. Mahr eagerly embraced the opportunity to create a new piece for our young musicians.

Inspired by his newfound passion for painting in retirement, Dr. Mahr crafted a composition titled “Art Show”. The piece unfolds in five movements, each one celebrating a different medium of art. The students worked hard to prepare and learn the music and had the exciting opportunity to meet Dr. Mahr via Zoom in January, where he shared insights into his creative process and answered their questions about life as a composer.

The world premiere of "Art Show" was nothing short of spectacular. Our 6th grade musicians delivered a tremendous performance, showcasing their talent, dedication, and artistic expression. We are extremely proud of our students for their amazing work in bringing "Art Show" to life. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Mahr for creating this exceptional piece for our music program. His composition added a unique and enriching dimension to our celebration of music and art.