Highlights from the Spring Concert Season

This spring saw plenty of musical talent across District 401! With six concert events held throughout the month of May, each performance helped close out the school year on a high note.

Starting off the shows was the elementary schools’ combined concert on May 5, showcasing the choirs at both John Mills and Elmwood. The evening began with a performance by the John Mills Choir, followed by the Elmwood Choir. Once the individual groups finished, students from both schools came together on stage for a memorable finale. Thank you to both music teachers (Ms. Altshuler Jedwabnik and Ms. Dabbs) for their dedication to their students’ performances.

Ms. Altshuler Jedwabnik leads the combined choirs in song (photos by Dave Porreca)

The next show was Elm Middle School’s Band concert, which played on May 12. Held in the gym and directed by Stephen Hawk, this show was full of some fun favorites. The program included high-energy classics like “Any Way You Want It” by Journey and “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago.

Elm Band members play the flute

A few days later, on May 14, the EPHS Band performed, featuring both the Jazz and Concert bands. The Jazz Band played a variety of songs, including Randy Newman’s “If I Didn’t Have You” while the Concert Band followed with pieces such as “Slavonic Dance No. 8” and “Horkstow Grange.” The evening closed with a recognition of the Class of 2026, as this was their last formal concert before graduation.

The EPHS Concert Band performs

Next up was the EPHS Choir concert on May 19, featuring the Chorale, Concert Choir, Swing Choir, and combined ensembles. The program included a range of selections, including “Amani” by Jim Papoulis and Jacques Sebisaho, “I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes and Rollo Dilworth, and the Bulgarian folk song “Svatba.” The show concluded with the recognition of graduating seniors and a presentation of awards, before closing with “Es Tu Tiempo” by Francisco J. Núñez.

Senior Eric Cardona is awarded for his participation in the Midwest ACDA Honor Choir

The concert season continued on May 21 with the Elm Choir's performance. This night was led by Choral Director Mike Popplewell and accompanied by pianist Rebecca Barbalace. The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders all performed separately, before joining together for the song “Rise Up,” and closing the show with “Another Day of Sun” from La La Land.

Mr. Popplewell directs the combined choirs

To finish it all off before graduation, the EPHS Swing Choir and Marching Tigers visited each school in the district to perform selections on May 22. Pictured in the featured photo of this article, this pep tour is an annual tradition led by EPHS’ Choir Director Grant McEachern and Band Director Kyle Rhoades. This tour gives younger students a glimpse of the musical opportunities waiting for them in high school. It’s always a highlight of the day, spreading school spirit and cheer throughout the schools.

What an amazing spring season, District 401 musicians! 

To view photos from the shows, please visit each school’s 2025-26 SmugMug photo gallery below.

John Mills
Elmwood
Elm
EPHS