The Highland Big Band and Concert Band provide opportunities for HCC students and community members to get involved playing an instrument. These ensembles are part of a group of many fine ensembles offered by the HCC Music department. Their mission is to provide an educational and creative outlet for residents of Northwest Illinois.
Highland College Big Band
The Highland College Big Band is made up of all types of jazz musicians, high school and older, who hail from all over Northwest Illinois. The music is based on the traditions of Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington but also includes the music of Pat Metheny, Radiohead, Michael Buble and Louis Armstrong. The sophisticated sound of the band serves all generations of jazz musicians and all generations of jazz music lovers. There is no entrance audition, and participants may register for course credit. Rehearsals are held on Mondays during the school year, 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, room FA06. For more information contact Bill Petersen by emailing bill.petersen@highland.edu
Highland College Concert Band
The Highland College Concert Band welcomes all levels and ages of musicians. The music features the classic concert band literature of the 20th century, new and current compositions by today’s finest composers, and unique popular transcriptions for the band idiom. Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion blend their talents to create music that reaches a variety of emotions in both the performer and the listener. There is no entrance audition, and participants may register for course credit. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays during the school year, 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, room FA06. For more information contact Bill Petersen by emailing bill.petersen@highland.edu
About the Director
Bill Petersen received his bachelor’s degree in music education with a jazz emphasis from Eastern Illinois University and his master’s degree in conducting from Michigan State University. Recently retired from Freeport School District 145 after 30 years as Director of Bands and Department Chair for Music, he is currently the director of the Highland College Jazz Band and the Conductor of the Highland College Concert Band. Mr. Petersen has been an acclaimed jazz educator and conductor for over 35 years and, also, has won a DCI Championship as a performer in the Concord Blue Devils and as head of the brass section and music ensemble with Phantom Regiment. In addition, Bill is a frequent clinician, guest conductor, leads the Freeport Early Jazz Society, and is a member of the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame.