String orchestra students from Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools took their show on the road recently, performing for guests at Chicago’s Palmer House.

“A large part of a music education for string players is learning how to `gig’ and share their music with the public in a setting different than that of a formal concert,” said Lincoln-Way East/Lincoln-Way North String Orchestra Director Michelle Freeland.

“Gigging is a way many of these students can continue their performing after high school,” she added, “and this gig was a wonderful experience – one that I hope we can have the opportunity to do again.”

On Dec. 7, members of the Lincoln-Way East/ Lincoln-Way North String Orchestra performed a classic holiday repertoire for guests as they entered and exited the lobby of the Palmer House.

Afterward, they attended a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert.

“The students were so excited to perform at the Palmer House,” said Freeland, who contacted the Chicago hotel after hearing it often has music groups perform in the lobby during the holiday season.

“We are always looking for places to showcase our talented student musicians,” said Freeland.

Performers include: Jack Alvarez, Brooke Braun, Anna Delegatto, Airene Dizon, Miranda Gonzalez, Heather Kim, Clare Maylone, Caitlin McCully, Katherine Plesniak, Katherine Reynolds, Sabrina Steck and Nikki Wiltjer on violin; Nastassia Velazquez, Vicky Nyder and Arianna Szubryt on viola; and Dana McGillivray and Owen Haupt on cello.

This was the first time a string orchestra from Lincoln-Way North or East has performed at the Palmer House.

“We were invited to come back next year,” said Freeland, who was tickled by the warm reception students received from guests and staff members at the Palmer House.

“The students were applauded as they walked through the lobby after their performance,” she added.