Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award recipients.

WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL

Band has been a vital part in my education. When I was in fifth grade,
I was given the opportunity to choose an instrument that would carry me
through all of middle and high school. Little did I know, being given this
opportunity would help me discover so many attributes about myself.
playing the trombone and being a part of the Wind Symphony, Jazz
Ensemble, b,eing a section leader in Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit
Ensemble, and Madrigal Brass at West Aurora High School has provided
me with knowledge that, for me, could only be learned through band.
When coming into high school as a freshman, I had joined the
marching band, and as marching band does, we started the season before
the school year started. As a freshman who was very insecure and
introverted, I was not good at talking to new people and the West Aurora
marching band has many members, usually over 250. As time progressed
though, I had started to communicate with the new people I was meeting in
my section which to this day are now some of my closest friends. With this
being said, this new knowledge of being able to communicate with new
people transcended into my core classes. I am now able to talk to my peers
without feeling nervous which ultimately, has helped tremendously with my
grades. Because I am not afraid to talk to others, I can easily ask questions
if something does not make sense in a class or ask a peer for something as
little as a pencil. For example, in my junior year, I struggled in my Calculus
class. Being able to apply my knowledge of communication, I was able to
ask my teacher for extra help which is something I would have never
imagined doing prior to freshman year. Getting that help from my teacher
is how I passed the class. Without band,I would have never learned how to
get over my fears of talking to new people and my grades would have
suffered from that. While I am not planning on majoring in music, I am
planning to continue to play my instrument in a concert ensemble knowing
that it will still help me communicate with others as it has for so many years
prior.

BATAVIA HIGH SCHOOL

I’ve played violin since I was in elementary school. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t feel much
of a connection at first. In fact, I hated when my mom made me play in front of my grandparents.
I felt like I was holding the whole room hostage with my scratchy tone. Back then, I would never
have imagined the importance violin now holds to me.
My perspective on violin changed freshman year when I saw my school’s top orchestra
perform. They were amazing. I decided I wanted to be just like them. I got lessons, and my
teacher seemed almost as old as her violin from the l600S. She said I needed to work on my
scales and etudes and intonation and rhythm. Following her advice, I practiced for an eternity of
an hour every day until my hands and back ached.
Gradually, I saw progress. I slowly gained confidence in my playing. Sophomore year, I
auditioned and made it into my school’s top orchestra. Since then, I’ve played for countless
volunteer and paid gigs, led in my school’s Fiddle Ensemble and orchestra, and have found a
confident love for violin. Now, l’m happy when my mom asks me to play for my grandparents.
Through violin, I was able to set a goal, work hard, and see the rewards. The confidence I’ve gained through violin has translated into other aspects of my life. I have taken many AP and
Honors classes throughout high school, so the coursework has definitely given me some
challenges. However, since violin showed me consistency and hard work pays offs, I knew I
could do well in these classes. When I struggled in Pre-Calc and AP physics, I set up study
sessions with friends and practiced at home. In the AP histories, I made packs of color-coded
flashcards. For AP English classes, I spent hours writing and revising essays and seminars and
narratives. With the perseverance I learned from violin, I am consistently able to succeed in my
classes.
In college,I plan to major in Neuroscience. I have no doubt the coursework will be very
challenging, but I also have no doubts that I will be able to succeed with consistent
perseverance. I also will be able to continue my love for violin as I plan to play at UIC in their
community orchestra next year.

KANELAND HIGH SCHOOL

Music has been a part of my life since day one. Both of my parents are music teachers, so I
grew up surrounded by everything from piano scales to Broadway soundtracks and Mozart
sacred works. I have had the privilege of having my dad as my high school choir director for 4
years, and our everyday conversations often turn into conversation about choral arrangements
or style/performance choices.

I started playing piano when I was six, and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to express
myself. Over the years, l’ve performed in my high school’s musicals and each choir in our
program. As a senior,I am now the student director of our Madrigal/Chamber Choir ensemble.
Being on stage, whether l’m acting or singing, has taught me how powerful music can be for
bringing people together and telling stories. Some of my best memories are from late-night
rehearsals with friends, working hard to get every note and harmony just right.

Having parents as music teachers has pushed me to work harder and think more deeply about
what music means to me. They’ve encouraged me to try new things, and these experiences
have made me realize that I want to keep growing as a musician-not just technically, but
creatively too.

Participation in the performing arts has also impacted my success in my core educational
classes. I often use music to enhance my learning, and make studying more efficient. For
example, I listen to classical music like Mozart or Bach to improve my focus and retention during
study sessions. I have also created songs to memorize lines, vocabulary, and speeches for my
core class materials. These specific musical approaches help me internalize information more
effectively, and they also make learning more engaging.

As a music education major, I will embrace every opportunity not only to deepen my own
understanding of music, but I also hope to use my passion for singing to inspire someone else.
Music has always been a way for me to express feelings and connect with people, even when
words aren’t enough. In college, surrounded by other students who music as much as I do,
I want to share my voice in a way that lifts others up -whether it’s performing in choir, leading a
small group, or just singing for someone who needs encouragement. My dream is that through
my singing,I can help someone feel understood, hopeful, or even less alone. I believe that
music has the power to touch hearts, and I want to be a part of a community where we inspire
each other to grow, both as musicians and as people.

GENEVA HIGH SCHOOL

Theatre, in particular, has strengthened my confidence and ability to think on my feet. In academic settings, especially in science classes where presentations and problem-solving are essential, I am able to communicate clearly, stay composed, and engage my audience. Once in AP Biology, I did a presentation on cellular junctions. I stood up in front of the class making direct eye contact, speaking clearly, and projected loud enough for everyone to hear me. After, someone asked me a complicated question. At first, I didn’t know the answer, but I took a deep breath and thought about my next move. Performing has taught me how to calm my nerves and present items in the best way, and these skills have directly improved my classroom performance.

Equally important is the beautiful community I have gained through the arts. Working alongside dedicated peers and learning from upperclassmen has motivated me to challenge myself academically. Once we had a substitute in choir, and a study hall to do whatever. The upperclassmen, Alex and Annaliese, stood up and spent the entire class period trying to solve an AP Physics C problem on the whiteboard. This peaked the interests of other students, and I sat and watched them use their brilliant minds to figure it out. Their example and constant encouragement inspired me to pursue rigorous courses such as AP Psychology and AP Biology. Through these experiences, I have grown not only as a student but as a person.

We went with something new this year, going with a murder mystery to play off of Christopher’s love of acting. Everyone had such a great time and the gala itself was very successful. Each guest was assigned their own character and had the opportunity to dress for their part.

Have you completed your submission for the 2026 Performing Arts Award? The due date is quickly approaching, and all submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 27th, 2026.

Who is eligible:  You must have participated in the performing arts (this includes Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama or Stage Crew) and be a graduating senior at a participating school.  2026 participating schools include West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, Kaneland, and Geneva High School.

Submission Requirements: Submit a 100 word, or more, essay on how participating in the performing arts has assisted you in your core educational classes. Each submission must have two (2) endorsements from any of the performing art instructors at your school. (Band/Orchestra Directors, Choral Directors, and Drama Teachers) Click the link to download the Award Endorsement Form

We chose only 100 words because Christopher hated having to write essays and we know that those seniors going on to higher education are already writing a lot of essays.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:

Mail (USPS) your essay, completed endorsement page, and contact information to:

Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation
Attn: Performing Arts Award ( Your school name )
610 Cherrywood Dr.

The foundation has updated the wall of Illinois Fallen that was previously used in a Memorial Day parade so it can be set up as a static display. If you are interested in displaying the wall, please reach out.

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the 2025 Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award recipients.

West Aurora High School

Music performance has been a huge part of my high school experience. As a member of
the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra. and Woodwind
Quintet, I have been lucky enough to have many opportunities to develop my own skills, interact
with talented individuals. and embrace what we affectionately call “the ultimate group project.”
However, the benefits of these experiences are much more extensive than solely the fine arts.
Without a doubt, music is largely dependent on communication. Communication is key
between performers, but also between a musician and their audience. The most impactful
performances tell a story and convey powerful emotions without ever uttering a single word. I
can hardly even begin to describe how much better I can hold conversations with people, express
my thoughts with conviction, and write more eloquently, all thanks to nine years on my
instrument. Similarly, I have learned to embrace failure and adopt perseverance in my habits
through music. This has helped me specifically in my math classes throughout my high school
experience, since math often involves a series of trial and error, and a single problem can take
nearly an hour. Within music, there are sometimes practice sessions that focus on a single
measure for an extended period of time, which has certainly helped strengthen my work ethic.
Ultimately, the performing arts have encouraged me to pursue my academic ambitions,
developed my communication skills, and helped me understand the importance of a growth
mindset while making mistakes. Now, I am a better writer, mathematician, historian, and person
overall.

West Aurora High School

My love for music has transcended into all aspects of my life, especially with my all Honors and
AP schedule that I have had all 4 years of high school.
During my freshman year, my band director asked our band “Would anyone be willing to switch
to the oboe?” While I played the Clarinet at the time, I didn’t hesitate at all to accept this new
opportunity. Little did I know that this would become the hardest challenge I have taken on thus
far. I dedicated myself to the oboe, earning myself nominations to the SPC {South Prairie
Conference}, making my school’s top ensemble, Wind Symphony, during my sophomore year,
and later becoming a 3-year ILMEA musician. The oboe has taught me how to challenge myself
beyond what I considered my limits. I wanted to quit at times, crying over video submissions for
auditions, but I ultimately succeeded in proving to myself that I am capable. Because of this, I
have taken all Honors and AP courses throughout my high school career due to my hardworking
attitude. It is not easy, but I continue to work towards that similar feeling of accomplishment
where I can look into my past and say “That was a challenge that allowed me to grow.” Overall,
the oboe has taught me far more about myself than its own temperament.
Outside of the school day, I have been a Blackhawk marching band member for the past four
years. For the last two years, I have been a section leader for the clarinet section of over 45+
members. It was certainly challenging at times, such as dealing with conflicts between members,

but the leadership experience that I gained from this activity has translated into the active roles I
play in my courses. I am a better student because I have been so involved with providing for
others within my section and cooperating with the Student Leadership Team. This applies to my
decisions to take initiative in socratic seminars in AP Lit, ask thought-provoking questions in AP
State, or to understand the oscillations of music notes in AP Physics. I have learned to guide
others around me, inspiring those to share a similar passion for succeeding in our education just
as I once encouraged my fellow Clarinets to find their appreciation for always performing our
best. This activity has afforded me a greater desire to serve others within and give back to my
community at West Aurora High School.
Along with the Blackhawk Marching Band, I participate in the Early Bird Jazz Band, Naperville
Youth Symphony Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Mentor Summer Camps, West Aurora
Woodwind Quintet, American Legion Band Post 84, and private Oboe lessons. I have performed
for the Chris Patterson motorcycle rides every year with the Blackhawk Marching Band, and I
actively serve my community through the American Legion Band Post 84 during my summers.
To €conclude, I believe that I am a better student, colleague, and person because of the ways that
the fine arts have transformed my life. I wish to continue my passions as they have positively
impacted my education by developing my sense of self. I look forward to where music takes me
as I pursue my other academic pursuits in college and in the workforce as well. I will always be
indebted to the many lessons that music has taught me, and I look forward to my future success
as a gifted musician and a determined student. Thank you.

Batavia High School

Being involved in my school’s music program has greatly impacted
the rest of my school life. playing an instrument is proven to be so good for
your brain with all the multitasking going on, and I can definitely tell it has
improved my focus. In addition, the patience and dedication it takes to
practice has given me the ability to apply this to doing homework for other
classes. I can sit down for hours at a time doing schoolwork. All of these
things have had a very positive impact on my schoolwork. Music is also
where I have met all of my friends in school. The connections I have with
people in marching band and orchestra are unlike any other connections I
have ever made. The people there are amazing, and I am so glad I spent
so much time doing music. There’s nothing else I would rather be doing
than rehearsing what we’ve all poured so much commitment into with all
my closest friends. In college I plan on pursuing math along with my music
degree so I can continue to put these skills l’ve gotten from music into my
academic work.

Kaneland High School

I have taken music classes since elementary school. The older I got, the more I took, and
it became my choice instead of a requirement. In high school, I delved deeper into the world of a
choral student.
There have been many times where something as simple as vocal technique and lyrics
have aided me. In my film class, I was able to discuss another level of the music behind a piece
of cinema, because my vocal training lent me a different perspective. I remember having
struggled with choosing a focal point on that essay. My teacher suggested, “”Is there something
with your music background that you could look deeper at?” While we analyzed figurative
language, I brought in register shifts and tone. I scored full points on that essay. Just recently, I
had a mathematics test. There was a question about unit conversions, and at some point I needed
to get from “years” to “seconds.” We’re working on a piece from Rent called “Seasons of Love,”
in which the main theme outlines that there are 525,600 minutes in a year. The lyrics from a song
we were learning helped me to skip several conversions, thus lessening the chance of error along
the way.
Beyond systematic help, my music classes have made me a better student and peer. I’ve
found that the time we spend in choir translates into communication skills and a dedication to
success. There are very few classes that rely on the commitment of each student as much as a
choir class does. I strongly believe that the work we put in towards a music piece, the
communication we need to have with each other and the director, or the confidence we need to
have in ourselves to succeed has correlated with my academic standing. I thrive academically: I
get straight A’s, I work hard, and I get along with ny teachers and peers. However, I think it is
my choir classes that have given me the space to thrive as a person. It is hard to succeed when
you’re worn down mentally, or not confident in yourself about doing big things. Choir has been a
pathway towards stronger communication with peers and teachers, stronger self confidence, and
a practiced dedication to work hard and complete things timely.
I often wonder what it must be like to go through school with full classes all day. I cannot
imagine not having the mental break of just making music with your friends. Whether small or
extensive, having music classes throughout high school has impacted my life both mentally and
academically.

Geneva High School

I have grown so much because of my performing arts experiences throughout my school years in
Geneva, I played trumpet in school band in 5th through 8th grade, and I learned how satisfying and
fun playing together in a concert made all the hours of practice worth it. I acted in several plays and
musicals over the years, too, which taught me the importance of planning, following direction, and
that the show must go on! The performers, tech crew, and staff all had to work together. These skills
and experiences helped me develop diligent study habits, be collaborative, and use time
management to be successful in high school, especially in my honors and AP classes.
I have been in choir since 6th grade. Since junior year, I have been a member of my high school’s
varsity audition-only choir, an achievement which I had to work very hard for. The audition process
taught me perseverance and resilience, two more valuable skills that apply to my classes as well as
life in general My experience with music helps me to be able to better pay attention to my
surroundings, since watching and listening to a teacher is very similar to watching a director and
focusing on the voice parts around me. Sight-reading assignments helped me with quick thinking
skills, which are important during tests and class discussions. I struggle with math, and reading
music has helped me with calculating basic intervals, too.
I recently performed with my high school choir in London and Paris. This was the first time my high
school music program has done an international trip! Music gave me the chance to experience new
cultures, foods, and sights. The trip gave me a global perspective that I can apply in my classes and
beyond. Without choir, I would have never had this opportunity.
I love going to choir every day during school. It gives me a space to unwind and re-energize, which
helps me better focus rest of the day. It is also just a loving community for me to be a part of, and it
has been one of the best parts of my high school experience.

2018 marks the Foundation’s second year of supporting the performing arts and our first semi-formal fundraiser-the Red Tie Gala.  As our major fundraiser, the gala is not only a way for the Foundation to further spread our mission, it also presents a chance for us to interact with our most ardent supporters.
In 2012, we heard numerous stories of Chris helping people to find faith, bringing a smile to their face when they were having a rough go at it, or brightening someone’s day through music.  While listening to these stories, and bearing witness to all the lives Chris had touched, we came up with a saying that we have since used to describe his life.  “For God, For Country, For Music”.  Those three ideals truly describe how he lived his life.
The Red Tie Gala allows the Foundation to spread the Chris Patterson Performing Arts award to more local area high schools “For Music’ though the support of our donors and sponsors.  In 2017 we were able to present our first Performing Arts Award to Abby Risner at West Aurora High School.  As a result of the overwhelming support we received, this year we will be presenting an award at both West Aurora High School and Batavia High School.  We hope to be able to add another two schools in 2019 as well as explore other ways in which we can honor Chris’ legacy by supporting the arts.
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