Rotolo Middle School Students Make Merry Music at Mall

Many of us have seen those performances where local music talent will perform and delight mall shoppers in the middle of a busy season.

This day was no exception, as Rotolo Middle School students in band, orchestra and choral programs were scheduled to be front and center at the Yorktown Mall in Lombard, IL. It wasn't long before crowds began to assemble around noon in front of Carson's on the second floor. They anxiously awaited the sounds of joy about to be delivered by sixth graders from Rotolo Middle School in Batavia. 

This is one of the field trips students cherish most as they all join together to make music and memories, said Kate Hillman, Rotolo's choral director.

Although it's quite an undertaking, this is a great opportunity for the children to share their talents and bring some Christmas cheer to weary shoppers, friends and family at the mall. The music department arranges performances throughout the year at other locations, such as the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on Dec. 13, along with a myriad of concerts and contests. The shows offer more opportunities for students to apply their skills and build their experience. 

The day started without a hitch while everything was loaded and unloaded on the buses. As you will see in the photos chronicling the day's event, the outing included performing, eating and shopping. Some even had time to visit with a very gracious Santa Claus, whose workshop crew had a little fun with the student group leading them in an impromptu sing-a-long. With Santa's great attitude and all, we were reminded of a scene from the well-known classic Miracle on 34th Street.

It wasn't until the ride home that the flawless day offered another character-building circumstance. Children were delayed on the return trip due to a bus breaking down on Butterfield Road near Wheaton. It didn't take long for First Student bus company to send out a replacement bus to transfer students and instruments safely to the middle school and from there, home for the night.

"On a highway like this, the decision is usually made in the name of safety to send out another bus instead of trying to reload the students on other buses that make up the caravan," said bus driver Diana Blaster. 

All in all, the day was filled with a lot of excitement and joy as students raked in some good deals in stores and created good memories with friends and audience members.