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Welcome to Leyden Choir!
Congratulations, VJE!
2025 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 sixth DownBeat Student Music Award, one of the most prestigious honors in student jazz education nationwide. Under the direction of Stacy Cunningham, VJE was recognized in the 48th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards as the WINNER of the High School Small Vocal Jazz group category in the June, 2025 issue of DownBeat Magazine.
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.
“This award is a tremendous honor for our students, our music program and our school. VJE is an extra-curricular ensemble which meets outside of the school day. 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 six 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 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!
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.
“This award is a tremendous honor for our students, our music program and our school. VJE is an extra-curricular ensemble which meets outside of the school day. 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 six 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 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 30, 2025 ~ 7pm (E) Music of the Holidays Concert
December 16, 2025 ~ 7pm (E) |
Second SemesterWinter Choral Festival
TBD 2025 ~ 7pm - Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL Spectacular Sounds from the Stage & Screen
April 30, 2026 ~ 7pm (w) |
Please Join us for our Non-Curricular Events
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Veterans Celebration
November 14, 2025 ~ 7pm (TBD) |
Musical
March 6-7, 2026 (w) |
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31st Anniversary Annual Yuletide Celebration
December 13, 2025 (EAST) ADVANCE TICKET REQUIRED Tickets go on sale after November 15, 2025 |
Jazz Night 2026
March 23, 2026 (w) FREE ADMISSION |
2025-2026 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
