Band has a storied and proud tradition in District 153 stretching back to the early 1950s. Concert and jazz ensembles have performed at many Illinois adjudicated events and festivals, including regular participation in IGSMA and SSJHSA Contests. Band instruction is currently available to all students in grades 5-8 in Homewood District 153, and students are placed into one of three ensembles based on age and experience. The 2023-2024 District 153 Bands are under the guidance of directors Matthew D. Johnson (8th year in district) and Beth Houston (2nd year in district), as well as interim director Bill Hansen.
5th graders wishing to begin their instrumental music journey participate in the Churchill Elementary School Beginning Band. The group meets as a graded class from September-May, with students receiving one 30-minute small group lesson per week at Churchill and two 45-minute large ensemble classes held at James Hart. Small group lessons are held on a regular basis during school, and large ensemble rehearsals are in the morning before school. The group performs annually at two concerts, and occasionally at other functions within the community.
6th graders may participate in the James Hart Concert Band, which meets entirely within the school day. Students receive full ensemble instruction daily and an additional 30-minute small group lesson once per week. Concert Band normally performs at three concerts each year, and students have the opportunity to perform at the IGSMA District VI Solo & Ensemble Contest.
The James Hart Symphonic Band is open to any 7th or 8th grader that can pass a prerequisite audition. The group meets as a full ensemble every day, and students receive an additional 30-minute lesson weekly; during the second grading period, these lessons include instruction and performance in chamber ensembles. The Symphonic Band normally presents four concerts each year, in addition to performances at IGSMA and other organization contests, Homewood-Flossmoor High School Youth Night, the Homewood Memorial Day Celebration, and other various community functions and adjudicated events around the state.
James Hart Symphonic Band adjudicated event and other accomplishments
James Hart Jazz Band adjudicated event and other accomplishments
5th graders wishing to begin their instrumental music journey participate in the Churchill Elementary School Beginning Band. The group meets as a graded class from September-May, with students receiving one 30-minute small group lesson per week at Churchill and two 45-minute large ensemble classes held at James Hart. Small group lessons are held on a regular basis during school, and large ensemble rehearsals are in the morning before school. The group performs annually at two concerts, and occasionally at other functions within the community.
6th graders may participate in the James Hart Concert Band, which meets entirely within the school day. Students receive full ensemble instruction daily and an additional 30-minute small group lesson once per week. Concert Band normally performs at three concerts each year, and students have the opportunity to perform at the IGSMA District VI Solo & Ensemble Contest.
The James Hart Symphonic Band is open to any 7th or 8th grader that can pass a prerequisite audition. The group meets as a full ensemble every day, and students receive an additional 30-minute lesson weekly; during the second grading period, these lessons include instruction and performance in chamber ensembles. The Symphonic Band normally presents four concerts each year, in addition to performances at IGSMA and other organization contests, Homewood-Flossmoor High School Youth Night, the Homewood Memorial Day Celebration, and other various community functions and adjudicated events around the state.
James Hart Symphonic Band adjudicated event and other accomplishments
- Division I Rating at IGSMA District Organization Contest: 2006, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
- Division I/Superior Rating at IGSMA State Festival: 2017, 2022, 2023
- Division I Rating at Illinois State University Concert Band Clinic: 2018
- Participation in the Prairie State MS Concert Band Festival (presented by Music for All) at Wentz Concert Hall: 2019
- Participation in the ILMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event: 2024
- The Symphonic Band has premiered 2 works by composer Heather Hoefle: Ascent for Concert Band in March 2019 and Pastel Sunset in March 2024.
- Symphonic Band has worked with the following clinicians/guest conductors: David Allie (retired, formerly Memorial Junior HS); Andrew Beckwith (Maine East HS); Greg Bimm (Marian Catholic HS); Carol Brittin Chambers (composer); Brian Covey (Lockport Township HS); Dan Dietriech (Illinois State University, formerly Illinois Valley Central HS); Matt Doherty (Lemont HS); Dr. Phillip Hash (Illinois State University); Prof. Judith Grimes (retired, Elmhurst College); Daniel Harrison (retired, Thompson Junior HS); Wendy Higdon (Creekside MS); William Himes (composer); Robert Hindsley (retired, Homewood-Flossmoor HS and James Hart Junior HS); Heather Hoefle (composer); David Hutter (Maine South HS); Bill Jastrow (retired, Homewood-Flossmoor & Neuqua Valley HS); Rachel Maxwell (Traughber Junior HS); Dr. Erica Neidlinger (DePaul University); Kyle Rinke (Martino Junior HS); Andrew Veit (Naperville North/William Fremd HS); Sarah Whitlock (Homewood-Flossmoor HS).
James Hart Jazz Band adjudicated event and other accomplishments
- Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags Great America- 1st Place Class AA/Grand Champion-Superior Rating: 2023; 1st Place Class AA-Excellent Rating: 2017, 2022
- Mundelein Invitational- Division I Rating: 2019
- Participation in the Prairie State College Jazz Festival: 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2017, 2018
- Participation in the Lincoln-Way Central Jazz Festival: 2020
- Participation in the Old Quarry MS Jazz Festival: 2022, 2023
- Participation in the Thomas MS Jazz Jamboree: 2024
- Performance at Hackney's in Palos/Quarry Pub & Grill in Lemont opening for the Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra: 2017, 2019
- The Jazz Bands have worked with the following clinicians: George Andrikokus (Hinsdale MS), Orbert Davis (Chicago Jazz Philharmonic), Y.L. Douglas (freelance Chicago-area artist), Larry Gray (University of Illinois), Sam Hankins (formerly South Suburban College), Bryan Itzkowitz, Jerry Lowrey, Chris Madsen (University of Illinois at Chicago), Ed Peterson (University of New Orleans), Marlene Rosenberg (Northern Illinois University/Roosevelt University), and Glenn Williams (retired, Downers Grove South HS).