Champaign Central High School - Music Program

Music Program

The Champaign Central Music program has been very strong and nationally acclaimed since the arrival of John Currey in 1997. The top Jazz Ensemble has been the cornerstone of this music program, garnering awards and distinctions at almost every festival or competition attended. Furthermore, the jazz ensemble has had multiple students go on to play in jazz ensembles at universities such as Northwestern University, University of Texas, DePaul University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Indiana University, Illinois State University, Eastern Illinois University, and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Jazz Ensemble Accomplishments:
Illinois House Resolution No. 1264, in commemoration of the Central Jazz Ensemble
2005, 2008, 2012 One of 15 Finalists at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Competition in New York, NY. Also the only band from Illinois to have ever made repeat performances at the EE festival within a 4 year span and along with St. Charles East of St. Charles, IL is the only ensemble from Illinois to have made it twice since the festivals creation.
2003, 2007 Performer at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL
2007 Performer at the The Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey, CA. Part of the Monterey Jazz Festival

2011, 2012 Selected as one of 12 bands to compete at the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, Georgia. In 2012, the Stage Band was selected to compete in addition to the Ensemble, making Central the only school to have two ensembles compete in the festival.

Wind Symphony Accomplishments:
1999-2010 12 year consecutive performer at the Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival.