The Joliet Central Symphonic Band and the Augustana College Symphonic Band will present a joint concert on Friday, February 15, 2019, at 7pm, in the Joliet Central Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public; concert attendees should enter through door J, auditorium entrance, on Eastern Avenue, or through the main entrance.

Earlier in the day, Joliet Central students will have the opportunity to work with Augustana conductor Dr. James Lambrecht. Dr. Lambrecht is an accomplished conductor and trumpet soloist. In addition to his position at Augustana, he has conducted the Opera@Augustana Orchestra, the Quad City Youth Symphony Youth Orchestra, and has served as guest conductor of the Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble in Tokyo, Japan.

Established in 1874, the Augustana Symphonic Band performs music of the highest artistic quality written for the wind band. Graduates are found in the most prestigious professional and community ensembles, as well as graduate programs. The Augustana Symphonic Band has toured annually since the early 1880s to 32 states and internationally to locations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Of special note: Joliet Central High School and Band Alumnus Zachariah Sperstad, 2018, will be performing as a member of the Augustana Symphonic Band.

The Joliet Township High School Band, later the Joliet Central Band, was established in 1912. It is one of the nation’s oldest and significant high school band programs. Joliet’s nickname is “The City of Champions,” derived from the numerous awards and accolades earned by the band, including National Championships judged by John Philip Sousa and presidential performances, an engagement with the Rockettes in New York, and numerous appearances at the University of Illinois Superstate Festival.