Welcome to Leyden Choir!
Congratulations, VJE!
2026 Downbeat Student Music Award Winner!
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The Leyden High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble (VJE) has once again demonstrated its musical excellence by winning its seventh and eighth DownBeat Student Music Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in student jazz education nationwide. Under the direction of Stacy Cunningham, VJE was recognized in the 49th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards as an High School Small Vocal Jazz and Latin Group Oustanding Performance group in the June, 2026 issue of DownBeat Magazine.
We have another bit of exciting news to share! The first ACDA National Jazz Choir was recognized for an Outstanding Performance in Large High School Honors Ensemble and our very own WREN ARGUEZO was a member of that ensemble!!
The DownBeat Student Music Awards (SMAs) are considered the gold standard for student jazz performance in the United States and around the world. Hosted by DownBeat Magazine, the leading publication in jazz journalism, the awards honor top middle school, high school, and collegiate jazz programs through a highly competitive adjudication process that draws thousands of entries globally each year.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized in two categories. This recognition is more notable because our VJE is an extra-curricular ensemble which meets outside of the school day, during 2nd sememster. Their growth and achievement is directly related to their participation within our curricular music classes, commitment to excellence and passion for vocal jazz,” said Stacy Cunningham, vocal music director at Leyden High Schools. “To be recognized by such a respected institution not once, but eight times, is truly remarkable. It speaks to the hard work, consistency and passion our students bring to their art year after year."
Please help me in congratulating the members of this winning ensemble. They join the 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 winners. Their DownBeat Student Music Award continues to build the legacy of Leyden’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. We are incredibly honored to be among all the Downbeat Student Music Award winners. Congratulations to all who submitted this year!
We have another bit of exciting news to share! The first ACDA National Jazz Choir was recognized for an Outstanding Performance in Large High School Honors Ensemble and our very own WREN ARGUEZO was a member of that ensemble!!
The DownBeat Student Music Awards (SMAs) are considered the gold standard for student jazz performance in the United States and around the world. Hosted by DownBeat Magazine, the leading publication in jazz journalism, the awards honor top middle school, high school, and collegiate jazz programs through a highly competitive adjudication process that draws thousands of entries globally each year.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized in two categories. This recognition is more notable because our VJE is an extra-curricular ensemble which meets outside of the school day, during 2nd sememster. Their growth and achievement is directly related to their participation within our curricular music classes, commitment to excellence and passion for vocal jazz,” said Stacy Cunningham, vocal music director at Leyden High Schools. “To be recognized by such a respected institution not once, but eight times, is truly remarkable. It speaks to the hard work, consistency and passion our students bring to their art year after year."
Please help me in congratulating the members of this winning ensemble. They join the 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 winners. Their DownBeat Student Music Award continues to build the legacy of Leyden’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. We are incredibly honored to be among all the Downbeat Student Music Award winners. Congratulations to all who submitted this year!
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On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, The Leyden Music Department, joined by future and former Eagles, had a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at the historic Chicago Symphony Center!
This wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of our department chair, Mr. Bryan Miller, permission from our board of education and administration, and collaboration with our transportation team. Thank you to our current and former student teachers, alumni who joined us, and to our honor choir and band participants from Hester Jr. High, Lincoln MS, Rhodes School and Rosemont School. |
Leyden's National Award Winning Music DepartMent
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2024 - A NIGHT AT ORCHESTRA HALL
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2023 - USO SHOW
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Please Join us for our Annual Curricular Concerts
First SememsterFall Music Dept. Concert
October 22, 2026 ~ 7pm (E) Music of the Holidays Concert
December 14, 2026 ~ 7pm (E) |
Second SemesterWinter Choral Festival
Feb. 18, 2027 ~ 7pm - Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL Spectacular Sounds from the Stage & Screen
May 6, 2027 ~ 7pm (w) |
Please Join us for our Non-Curricular Events
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Veterans Celebration
TBD ~ 7pm (TBD) |
Musical
Feb. 25-27, 2027 (w) |
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32nd Annual Yuletide Celebration
December 12, 2026 (EAST) ADVANCE TICKET REQUIRED Tickets go on sale after November 15, 2026 |
Jazz Night 2026
March 22, 2027 (w) FREE ADMISSION |
2026-2027 Anticipated Choir Outings
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The Leyden Choir Family takes field trips to see live productions when possible. Some possible excursions include...
Be on the look out for more information in class!
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Important Links for students and parents
