The Wind Symphony performs “Hymn for US” in the Highland Park High School Auditorium. James Stephenson, the composer, said, “[Through this piece], I wanted to reflect on the solemn events that took place, but also to express the hope and the strength of the community that was evident to any of those who were watching the news.”
On October 18th, 2023, Highland Park High School’s Wind Symphony premiered “Hymn for US,” a piece composed by nationally renowned Lake Forest composer James Stephenson, in memory of the shooting on July 4th, 2022. The LHS Marching Wildcats supported HPHS in commissioning the piece, with funds being raised by students during the annual Marching Band Camp Change Drive.
![Senior Sam Foster, who plays the alto saxophone on the Jazz Lab Band, waves at the audience after their final piece. “[Jazz is] just something that I enjoy personally, and I wanted to do,” Foster said.](https://www.lhsdoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USE4-1200x800.jpg)
![For the final piece, a combination of Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble played an extravagant song by Paul Hindemist. Flute soloist Dakota Olson had her moment highlighted within this song. “[My solo] was definitely challenging but it was fun too,” Olson said.](https://www.lhsdoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/amy-and-joey-shot-1200x800.jpg)
![The Bel Canto choir, the junior choir, performs “Ex-Wives” from “SIX.” “We started [preparing], pretty much right after the Holiday concert,” junior Delaney Rybicki said. Caption by Ash Magalhaes](https://www.lhsdoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_7696-1200x800.jpg)
