LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—The halls of Mayo Middle School are buzzing with excitement as students prepare for their much-anticipated Spring Band Concert, set for Monday, May 5. With over 130 students participating, Band Director Christina Farley Wilkie and her team are pulling out all the stops to ensure a night filled with music, memories and community celebration.
Due to the growing size of the program, the event will be split into two performances:
“We’ve outgrown the space for a single concert,” Wilkie said. “It’s a good problem to have, but this is the first year we’ve needed two separate concerts in one night.”
The evening will not only showcase full band performances but also feature select students from the seventh and eighth grade bands who recently participated in the IESA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Several of them received “Best of Day” honors, and Wilkie is thrilled to give them the spotlight.
“It’s a great way to recognize the incredible work they’ve put in outside of class,” she said.
For Wilkie, the concert represents more than just music; it’s a celebration of growth and shared experiences.
“One of my college professors used to say, ‘A performance is a celebration of the successes we’ve had in rehearsal.’ That’s how I think of this night,” she said. “We’re not aiming for perfection. We’re showcasing all the moments we’ve grown as a band.”
Throughout the semester, students have not only rehearsed in class but also participated in special experiences like EIU Band Day, where they collaborated with music education students from Eastern Illinois University. The event gave students a chance to rehearse under different conductors and receive fresh feedback.
“It’s a special partnership that’s beneficial for everyone involved,” Wilkie said.
Wilkie spoke fondly of the tight-knit nature of the band program. Older students often mentor younger ones, especially during after-school band sessions.
“It’s one of the coolest things—watching those relationships form between fifth graders and their eighth-grade mentors,” she said.
The eighth graders, in particular, hold a special place in Wilkie’s heart.
“It’s bittersweet. I’ve watched them grow from beginners to leaders. This will be our final concert together, and it’s always an emotional moment.”
The evening will conclude with the band’s traditional end-of-year awards, which students look forward to each year.
“I try to make the awards fun and meaningful,” Wilkie said. “One of my eighth graders even surprised me with an award on my birthday with the same format and everything.”
The concert is free and open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend both performances to support students across all grade levels. For updates and additional concert details, visit the Mayo Middle School Music Department – District 95 Facebook page.
“This concert is about coming together to celebrate music, hard work and each other,” Wilkie said. “It’s going to be a great night.”