Little Elm High School Percussion Ensemble Selected to Perform at Prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago

Little Elm High School's Percussion Ensemble has earned one of the most prestigious honors in music education: an invitation to perform at the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference this December in Chicago.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity places Little Elm among a select group of just 52 performing ensembles from across the globe chosen to share their music at the renowned event. Each year, hundres of ensembles apply, but only a small number are selected to perform in categories that include professional, collegiate, and school-level groups. In 2025, only five high school percussion ensembles received this distinction—and Little Elm is proudly one of them.

The Midwest Clinic is the largest instrumental music education conference in the world, drawing over 18,000 attendees from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries. The audience includes a global network of musicians, music students, K–12 and collegiate directors, composers, and industry professionals such as instrument manufacturers, sheet music publishers, and university music recruiters.

Throughout the four-day conference, attendees engage in over 100 clinics led by respected leaders in the field, offering insights on everything from rehearsal techniques and program administration to music advocacy and the latest in educational technology. Key conference features include Reading Sessions highlighting newly published music and Rehearsal Labs demonstrating top-tier teaching practices.

Of course, a major highlight of the conference is the slate of musical performances—showcasing ensembles ranging from elementary school groups to professional and military bands. In 2025, the Midwest Clinic will feature 7 percussion ensembles, including just one professional, one collegiate, and five high school groups. Little Elm’s selection is a testament to the outstanding talent, discipline, and dedication of its percussionists and directors.

This achievement not only elevates Little Elm High School’s music program on the national stage but also celebrates the power of music education in shaping well-rounded, creative, and high-achieving students.

Congratulations to the Little Elm High School Percussion Ensemble on this extraordinary honor—we can’t wait to see you shine in Chicago!