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Band

Band at Joliet Catholic Academy is a dynamic, performance-based ensemble course that gives students the opportunity to grow as musicians and performers.

Students perform a wide variety of music—including pep band, contemporary, classical, jazz, and standard concert band literature—while building skills in music theory, articulation, composition, improvisation, music history, and practice techniques. The program emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and discipline, helping students develop both individually and as part of an ensemble.

In addition to concert performances, students can participate in color guard during the fall season and are encouraged to compete in ILMEA and IHSA Solo & Ensemble contests. The course provides a well-rounded experience that fosters musicianship, teamwork, and confidence, while preparing students for success in performance and beyond.

band students performing

 

Current Season

​Fall Concert - October 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. - JCA Large Chapel

Winter Concert - December 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. - JCA Large Gym

Prism Concert - February 11, 2026 - 6 p.m. - JCA Large Chapel

Fine Arts Extravaganza - March 25, 2026 - JCA Large Chapel 

Spring Concert - May 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. - JCA Large Chapel


Weekly Calendar

Monday Rehearsal - Full Band Rehearsal
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Tuesday Rehearsal - Full Band Rehearsal

Wednesday Rehearsal - Full Band Rehearsal

Thursday Rehearsal - Full Band Rehearsal

Friday Rehearsal - Full Band Rehearsal

Faculty Information

Jennifer Szynal

  • 18 Years teaching at JCA

  • 11 years private music instruction

  • 10 years music performance (College of DuPage Band, Encore Band, Sinfonetta Bel Canto) 

  • Bachelor in Music Education - Illinois State University

  • Master of Arts Educational Technology - Concordia University Chicago

  • Who’s Who in Teaching - 2007

  • National Merit Educator

  • Joliet Region Area Chamber of Commerce Great Teacher - 2015

  • Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert - 2020 - Present

Past Music Selections

This does not include the annual music for fall and spring.

2024 - 2025 Season

Can't Turn You Loose/Soul Man
Gimmie Some Lovin
Land of 1000 Dances
Never Gonna Give You Up
Thriller

2023 - 2024 Season

Made You Look by Doug Adams
Kings and Queens by Michael Story
Crazy Train by Paul Murtha
High Hopes by Doug Adams
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) arranged by Larry Kerchner
Coventry Carol arranged by Richard Saucedo
You Better Sleigh by Jarod Hall
Christmas Africana by Larry Neeck
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer by Randy Brooks
Beyond the Darkness by James Swearingen
Arte Del Tango by Steve Shanley
Dancing in the Rain by Rebecca G Jarvis
Fate of the Gods by Steven Reineke
Come Fly Away
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Sway - Michael Buble
Dance the Night Sway - Du Lipa
Paint It Black