Chatham Schools Host Music Festival [VIDEO]

and are playing host to the 2012 Festivals of Music throughout the month of April.

Performance spaces include the auditorium at Chatham High and Chatham Middle, as well as Cougar Field for the visiting marching bands.

The festival began March 30 and runs for four Fridays through April 27, skipping Friday, April 6. Performing bands from high schools throughout the country, including Vermont, Massachussetts, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California and Canada, will travel to Chatham and perform for a panel of judges.

The judges include college professors and professional musicians and conductors who work with young people.

Kurt Hargleroad, the senior vice president of the Festivals of Music, said about 2,000 students will travel to Chatham for the festival. The morning after their performances, they meet in the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City for an awards breakfast.

"This is our 30th year offering experiences to young people throughout the country," Hargleroad said.

Volunteers from the Chatham Music and Theater Boosters will provide "an adult presence" and work concession stands at the festival. According to an email to Chatham Patch from Cathy Kellstrom of the boosters, "proceeds from the four festivals will be earmarked for music student travel, benefitting every student musician in grades 7 through 12."