On Dec. 20, Symphony Orchestra will perform at the 68th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The orchestra will also have the opportunity  to meet with other orchestras and teachers from around the nation and play with classical cellist Lynn Harrell. The Midwest Clinic, which began in 1946, is now a four-day long music, band and orchestra conference that features more than 17,000 musicians from around the world.

According to Soo Han, chairperson of the performing arts department, the Midwest Clinic is considered one of the most prestigious music festivals for high school students in the nation.

“Teachers go there to learn from clinicians and to see the latest trends in what’s happening in music education. (It’s a) very big part for participants to go and listen to some of the world’s finest music ensembles, which includes professional groups, college groups, high school groups and even middle school groups,” Han said. “People from all over the world apply and go through an application process to perform at the conference. It is considered one of the crowning achievements of any performing ensemble in academia if you are invited to perform there.”

While having the opportunity to play at the biggest convention center in North America may be very prestigious, Han said the process of being accepted also took a lot of work,  which included everything from recording with a sound engineer to playing a diverse repertoire.

“To be totally candid, it’s a very stressful process. You have to make a recording of the ensemble and the group performing repertoire that is stylistically different, and so the quality of the recording has to be the highest caliber. Basically, what we tried to do is submit a perfect recording, so the students began the process last year. They reworked a set of repertoire that is stylistically different, worked with a sound engineer here in town to make a high-quality recording, and that’s primarily the centerpiece of the app process,” Han said.

Along with making recordings and filling out applications, the orchestra had to submit letters of recommendation from multiple music teachers, professors and conductors from around the world. A committee that the Midwest Clinic established goes through hundreds of applications annually, and only invites a small percentage of the applicants.

According to Oliver Shou, Orchestra Council president and senior, there is a lot to look forward to.

“Besides playing, there are a ton of things to do,” Shou said. “There are booths—teaching booths, music booths, company booths—where you’re able to visit and learn (the) newest music styles and techniques from people all over the world.”

With only several days left until the Midwest Clinic, Han said that the orchestra is working hard to make everything perfect.

Han said, “We’re incredibly thrilled and honored to represent our community on an international stage, and we’re so thankful for the support from the community.”