
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 Justin Kvedaras at (312) 788-1141 or at jkvedaras@vandercook.edu.
Upcoming Events in 2017-2018
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7 Steps to a Better Band – Event cancelled for 2017
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Middle-Level HonorFest – Saturday, September 30, 2017
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Day of Guitar – Wednesday, November 1, 2017
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All-Catholic Honor Band – Saturday, January 20, 2018
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Day of Percussion – Saturday, February 3, 2018
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ChoralFest – Tuesday, March 20, 2018
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OrchestraFest – Wednesday, April 4, 2018
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BandFest – Tuesday, March 20, 2018 & Wednesday, April 4, 2018
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Note: All information and registration materials will be available online only.
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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 2017-2018 now!
For more details or information, please contact Stephanie Lopez at slopez@vandercook.edu or (312) 788-1148.
7 Steps to a Better Band
*Event cancelled for 2017
Registration Deadline: Event cancelled for 2017
Participants: High school marching band students, directors, and parent organization members
Objective: 7 Steps is a leadership workshop where directors and students collectively set goals and prepare for the school year.
Middle Level HonorFest
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 15, 2017
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 1, 2017
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 13, 2017
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 27, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 29, 2017
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 3, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 5, 2018
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 percussion clinics and performances. Performers get the opportunity to work with guest clinicians.
ChoralFest and BandFest
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2018
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 and BandFest
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 9, 2018
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.
Visit www.vandercook.edu/outreach for more information