SWCCB Summer Band Camp 2026 Ends on a High Note Despite Nature's Curveball

Jun 15

For nearly two decades, the Southwest Community Concert Band's Summer Band Camp has provided young musicians with an opportunity to learn, perform, make new friends, and strengthen their musical skills during the summer months. The 2026 edition continued that tradition in memorable fashion, although not exactly as anyone expected.

What began on Mon 6/8/2026 as a week of rehearsals, sectionals, ensemble performances, and musical exploration took an unexpected turn midway through camp when a powerful regional storm swept through the area. The storm knocked out power across portions of the southwest Chicago, IL suburbs, including the church hosting this year's camp. Initial estimates suggested electricity might not be restored for several days.

For many organizations, that might have meant cancellation.

For a group of musicians, it simply meant it was time to improvise!

When the Lights Went Out

The power outage presented an immediate challenge. Air conditioning, lighting, and many of the conveniences normally taken for granted during rehearsals suddenly disappeared.

But musicians are problem solvers by nature.

Thanks to large windows throughout the facility, abundant natural sunlight, battery-operated lighting, and a healthy supply of young eyes capable of reading music in conditions many adults would tire from, rehearsals continued.

Students and instructors adapted quickly. Music stands were repositioned. Rooms were rearranged. Rehearsal plans were adjusted. Before long, the sounds of flutes, clarinets, saxophones, brass, and percussion once again filled the building.

In true musical fashion, the camp barely missed a beat.

If anything, the unexpected circumstances seemed to strengthen the sense of camaraderie among students and instructors. Everyone understood they were experiencing something unusual, and everyone was determined to make the most of it.

A Week of Music and Growth

This year's camp brought together 44 student musicians representing schools throughout the southwest suburban area. During the week students participated in large ensemble rehearsals, small group instruction, sectionals, and specialty ensembles designed to build both musicianship and confidence.

Students had opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, including:

Jazz Band
Percussion Ensemble
Music Appreciation Ensemble
Low Brass Ensemble
Trumpet Ensemble
Saxophone Ensemble
Clarinet Ensemble
Flute Ensemble
9th Grade Ensemble
Full Concert Band

One particularly interesting part of this year's program was the Music Appreciation Ensemble, taught by Mr. Jason Kazin. In addition to learning and performing music during camp, these students created their own original music to be performed at the final concert.

The 9th Grade Ensemble, representing the top of the camp's student age range, performed John Williams' well-known Cantina Band from Star Wars. The ensemble featured flute, clarinet, and saxophone, with a special addition: our own saxophone virtuoso and conductor, Mr. Ray Forlenza, joining the group on baritone saxophone. This was a real treat for those in attendance, since Ray is more often seen performing on soprano and tenor saxophone. Hearing him on baritone sax added something special to an already memorable performance.

Beyond learning notes and rhythms, students practiced listening, teamwork, leadership, discipline, and the ability to work toward a shared goal — skills that serve them well both on and off the stage.

The Show Must Go On

As camp moved toward its Friday 6/12/2026 evening finale, another challenge emerged.

Although utility crews were working tirelessly throughout the area, power had not yet been fully restored to the church. The traditional indoor concert venue was no longer an option.

Once again, camp leadership, instructors, students, and families adapted.

Rather than canceling the event, the decision was made to move the concert outdoors.

At 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening, just as the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, musicians, families, and community members gathered in the church parking lot for what became one of the most memorable finales in camp history.

There was something wonderfully nostalgic about the setting. The outdoor performance felt like a throwback to community concerts of decades past, when neighbors gathered outdoors on summer evenings to enjoy live music together.

The setting may have been unconventional, but the performances were anything but improvised.

A Finale Worth Remembering

The concert showcased the work students accomplished throughout the week and featured performances by every ensemble.

The audience enjoyed a diverse program ranging from jazz and popular music to classical, patriotic, and contemporary concert band literature.

Highlights included:

Birth of the Blues
My Little Suede Shoes
Poco Loco
America the Beautiful
Cantina Band
The Lonely Bull
Jericho

The evening concluded with performances by the full Concert Band under the direction of Ray Forlenza, featuring:

Tripwire
The Tempest
The Mandalorian
Carpathia

Each piece reflected the hard work and dedication students invested throughout the week, and the enthusiastic audience response demonstrated just how much that effort was appreciated.

More Than a Concert

The final concert represented more than the culmination of a week of rehearsals.

It celebrated resilience.

It demonstrated adaptability.

It showcased what can happen when students, instructors, volunteers, and families work together toward a common goal.

Most importantly, it reminded everyone that music has a unique ability to bring people together — even when circumstances are less than ideal.

Years from now, students may not remember every note they played or every rehearsal they attended. But many will remember the year the power went out, rehearsals continued by sunlight, and the final concert took place outdoors under the evening sky.

Those are the moments that become stories. Those are the moments that become traditions.

And those are the moments that make the SWCCB Summer Band Camp special.

Thank You!

The Southwest Community Concert Band would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make Summer Band Camp 2026 possible.

Camp Instructors and Conductors

Meet the team! Special thanks to our instructors/conductors for their flexibility, patience, musicianship, and steady leadership throughout the week. Their ability to adapt under less-than-ideal circumstances helped turn a difficult situation into a memorable experience for every student.

Ray Forlenza - (retired) Band Director at Kirby School District 140 in Tinley Park, IL, for 32 years. SWCCB conductor for 26 years. Band camp conductor and coordinator.
Kim Coughlin - Band director at Summit Hill Junior High in Frankfort, IL and Tinley Park, IL
Cheryl Ciammetti - (retired) Band director in District 89
Barbara Abarro - Band director at St. Laurence High School (Burbank, IL), Annunciation Elementary School, and director of the Tinley Park Community Band.
Roger Barton - Woodwind music educator in the south suburbs for over 40+ years.
Ken Kazin - (retired) Band Director, Evergreen Park High School.
Jason Kazin - Teaches music in Oak Forest, IL

Parents and Families

Thank you to the parents and families who supported their students throughout the week, adjusted to unexpected changes, and helped make the final concert possible. Your encouragement and support are a vital part of the success of this camp. The SWCCB and the larger community Greatly appreciates not only your child's involvement in Summer Band Camp But also, you attending the finale concert to see the results of what the students achieved all week.

Student Musicians

A special thank you to every student who participated in this year's camp. Your dedication, enthusiasm, flexibility, and positive attitude helped turn an unexpected challenge into an unforgettable experience.

Volunteers and Supporters

A very special thanks goes out to our volunteers and supporters, especially Dr. Carolyn Sparks (SWCCB Band Mom!) and all the volunteers from the church for setup and takedown And all their help and guidance through the power outage.