Band

Who Should I Contact About:

Marching Wildcats, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Fundraisers, Travel:

Mr. Gohr, (847)327-7083

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, AP Music Theory, Guitar, Music Production:

Mr. Karnstedt, (847)327-7084

Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Pit Orchestra, FAST:

Mr. Helvie, (847)327-7057

Private Lessons:

Any director, or the private instructors directly, as found on the Lessons page

Upcoming Events

Check out the calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.  Sync it with your mobile device and stay constantly up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest band events!

About Us

The Libertyville HS band program has several curricular and co-curricular ensembles that allow students to showcase their talent, dedication, and hard work. There are four curricular concert bands at Libertyville: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. Co-curricular ensembles include the Marching Wildcats, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band, Pit Orchestra, and Basketball Pep Band. There is truly something for everyone.

The band program at Libertyville High School is one that is recognized not only around the State of Illinois but also throughout the United States. In 2019 the LHS band program was one of only 4 bands across the country recognized as a Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence by the National Band Association; and in 2016 the Wind Ensemble was selected as a Nationally Commended Ensemble in the AAAAA Division of the Mark of Excellence Wind Band Recording contest.  The Wind Ensemble won the Superstate Concert Band Festival in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2018. They were also the Honor Band at that same contest in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2019. The Wind Ensemble performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1998 and 2004 and was selected to perform at the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Convention in 1992, 1998, 2010, and 2019, and was one of only two high school bands selected to perform at the College Band Directors National Association North Central Conference in February of 2020. The Wind Ensemble was one of sixteen bands from across the country to participate in the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival held in Indianapolis in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2013.  Also in 2007, the Wind Ensemble was awarded the National Wind Band Honors and was the only band from Illinois to receive this award.  The LHS Jazz Ensemble also performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in 1982 and 1993 and the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Convention in 2020. The Jazz Ensemble has won festivals at Rolling Meadows, University of Wisconsin (Whitewater), Mundelein, Oak Lawn, and has won the North Shore Jazz Festival six times, being named Grand Champion twice (2003 and 2005). The Libertyville Bands have also performed in London, Florida, Hawaii, California and the Bahamas.