
Whether you're interested in student enrichment at special events outside of the classroom, or one of the many band, choir and orchestra clinics held at the college, there's something here for you. Follow the links below for all our offerings.
Outreach Events at VanderCook
VanderCook hosts a number of workshops and festivals throughout the year for middle school and high school music students. These events provide students with an opportunity to learn outside the classroom and to make new friends. For more information about these events, contact Patrick Benson at 312.788.1139 or pbenson@vandercook.edu.
Upcoming Events in 2018-19
-
Middle-Level HonorFest – Saturday, September 29, 2018
-
Day of Guitar – Tuesday, November 6, 2018
-
All-Catholic Honor Band – Saturday, January 19, 2019
-
Day of Percussion – Saturday, February 2, 2019
-
BandFest & ChoralFest – Tuesday, March 26, 2019
-
OrchestraFest – TBD (check back for updates)
Note: All information and registration materials will be available online only.
Sign up for our email list!
Clinics at VanderCook

If you would like to schedule a special clinic for your students, VanderCook offers a number of options for visiting ensembles of all ages and ability levels. Visiting ensembles spend up to 90 minutes with one of our experienced faculty members. Clinics are available for bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles and other groups.
Book a clinic for 2018-19 now!
For more details or information, please contact Soccoro Perez via email or 312.788.1148.
Middle Level HonorFest
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 14, 2018
Participants: Advanced middle school band and choir students selected through director nomination.
Objective: HonorFest is an opportunity for advanced middle school musicians to work with a clinician in a large ensemble. The HonorFest bands and choirs will rehearse during the morning and afternoon, and conclude with a performance in the early evening.
Day of Guitar
Wednesday, November 6, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2018
Participants: Guitar students of all levels.
Objective: Day of Guitar is an opportunity for guitar students to work with skilled clinicians. Each group will be given the chance to perform and all participants will be a part of a large guitar orchestra.
All-Catholic Honor Band
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Registration Deadline: TBD
Participants: Advanced Catholic high school band students selected through director nomination.
Objective: This honor band gives high school students at Catholic high schools an opportunity to perform quality repertoire with students ranked at the highest performance level.
Day of Percussion
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 18, 2019
Participants: Percussionists of all levels may attend, and ensembles of any level may sign up to perform.
Objective: Day of Percussion allows percussion students to experience a day of clinics and performances. Performers work with VanderCook percussion faculty and guest clinicians.
BandFest & ChoralFest
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 15, 2019
Participants: Middle school and high school choirs and bands.
Objective: These festivals are non-competitive performance venues for school ensembles. In addition to extensive feedback, ensembles receive a clinic following their performance.
OrchestraFest
TBD (please check back for updates)
Registration Deadline: TBD
Participants: Middle school and high school orchestras and bands.
Objective: These festivals are non-competitive performance venues for school ensembles. In addition to extensive feedback, ensembles receive a clinic following their performance.