Following the incredible energy of the Keith Harris masterclass, our talented students are ready to take the stage and show you what they’ve been working on. Whether you’re a fan of piano, guitar, drumlines, woodwinds, jazz, powerful vocals, or brass, we have a performance for you this April!
Mark your calendars for our upcoming showcases:
April 21st | Guitar & Piano Recital: An intimate evening featuring the technical skill and artistry of our strings and keys students.
April 23rd | Choir Concert: Join us for a night of breathtaking harmonies and vocal excellence.
April 24th | Band Fest: Experience the power of our instrumental ensembles as they join forces for a day of spectacular music-making.
Our students are inspired, practiced, and ready to perform. Come out and support the next generation of Curie legends!
"Did you know Keith Harris started exactly where these students are? Come see the future of music on the Curie stage!"
Returning to the Roots of Excellence: Grammy-Winning Alumnus Keith Harris Hosts Masterclass at Curie High School
Curie High School recently had the distinct honor of welcoming back one of its most accomplished alumni, Keith Harris. Widely recognized as the musical director and drummer for the internationally acclaimed group the Black Eyed Peas, Mr. Harris returned to his alma mater to conduct an exclusive masterclass for our current music students. Both the administration and the student body were "beyond excited" by this extraordinary educational opportunity.
A Trajectory of Success
Mr. Harris’s prestigious journey began within the very classrooms of the Curie music department. Today, he stands as a major force in the music industry, his achievements officially commemorated with a permanent plaque on the school’s wall of honor. During his visit, he detailed his professional trajectory, underscoring to the students that the foundational skills for his Grammy-winning career were cultivated right here within our district.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Artists
Students who attended the masterclass described the experience as deeply "inspiring." Beyond demonstrating world-class musical technique, Mr. Harris provided a tangible blueprint for professional success, affirming that their highest aspirations are entirely attainable through dedication and discipline.
Witnessing Mr. Harris’s progression from a student at Curie High School to a prominent global artist provided our students with the profound realization that their current educational environment is the starting point for future greatness.
An Expanding Alumni Legacy
This monumental visit has catalyzed a renewed sense of pride and momentum within the Curie community. Following Mr. Harris’s masterclass, numerous other highly successful alumni have reached out, expressing a strong desire to return and contribute to the academic and personal development of our current student body. The district takes immense pride in graduates who reach the pinnacle of their respective fields and deliberately choose to reinvest their time and expertise into our schools.
Showcasing Current Excellence
The inspiration garnered from this masterclass is already evident within our student ensembles. We cordially invite the district community to witness our award-winning student musicians—including 14 recent IHSA Division I (Superior) rated performers—at our upcoming spring showcases:
April 21: Guitar & Piano Recital
April 23: Choir Concert
April 24: Band Fest
It has been our distinct pleasure to host Chukwukasi Ugwueze from Vandercook University at Curie High School. Serving as a training ground for the next generation of outstanding teaching professionals is a source of immense pride for our institution.
During his tenure here, Mr. Ugwueze has demonstrated a profound passion for education, presented innovative ideas, and contributed a valuable perspective to our classrooms. His enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment have significantly enriched our school community.
As his placement concludes, we extend our sincerest gratitude for his exceptional dedication and service. We are certain he will prove to be a remarkable asset to any future music program and wish him every success in his subsequent placement.
The music department is proud to announce an outstanding showing at the recent Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Solo & Ensemble contest. After months of dedicated practice, students performed before expert judges and brought home a stellar collection of Division I, II, and III ratings.
A Division I (Superior) rating is the highest possible honor at the contest, and our students delivered. Adding to the department's widespread success, several students earned Division II (Excellent) and Division III (Good) ratings, reflecting highly accomplished and well-prepared performances.
The department would also like to extend a special thank you to our talented accompanists—Micah Dingler, Soledad Bonal, and Timothy Walker—whose beautiful playing and tireless support set our students up for success.
Congratulations to all of our musicians on a fantastic day of performances!
On February 22nd, we were honored to host world-renowned flamenco guitarist Grisha Goryachev for a special educational outreach engagement.
Renowned globally for his extraordinary technical facility and his unique ability to revive the greatest flamenco compositions of the past, Goryachev provided our community with more than just a concert; he provided an unforgettable cultural experience.
While Lincoln Park and Curie were duking it out on the hardwood, the real heavyweight fight was happening in the stands. The Curie Metropolitan High School Band went head-to-head with King College Prep in an epic "Battle of the Bands" that nearly blew the roof off the arena!
The scoreboard showed the basketball results, but in the stands, the victory was in the spirit. Huge respect to King for the competition, but you already know—Curie Pride hit different last night!
It wasn't just a game; it was a masterclass in showmanship.
Curie High School is exceptionally proud to announce that our vocal students recently performed at the esteemed Lyric Opera of Chicago for the district-wide Choral Fest. Joining hundreds of talented Chicago Public School students, our choir members had the distinct honor of showcasing their artistry on a world-class stage. This monumental experience not only celebrates the hard work of our vocalists but also further highlights the exceptional caliber of the Curie music department on a citywide platform.
In December 2025, the Curie High School Jazz Band transformed the daily student arrival into a vibrant musical experience, performing live as the school community entered the building. Serving as an engaging pre-show performance for the annual Holiday Winterfest, this morning showcase fostered a welcoming and festive atmosphere to begin the academic day. By sharing their artistry in the main corridors, our talented instrumentalists provided an inspiring start to the morning and beautifully demonstrated the music department's ability to elevate our broader school culture.
Curie Choir students travelled downtown to see a performance of Cavalleria Rusticana as part of our partnership with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It was an unforgettable experience!
At the annual JOIN VOICES festival, Curie’s Intermediate/Chamber Chorus shared their music and teamed up with other choruses from CPS to learn a special song of unity, led by prof. Sarah Catt of Elmhurst College. Thanks to our sponsor, IL-ACDA!
Experience the joy of making music -- every day! Choose from a wide array of musical disciplines: Choir, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Piano, Music Production, and more. No matter your level of prior experience, there is a place for you in Curie's Music Department.
Explore acting, directing, production design (sets and props), costumes, makeup, and more in a collaborative environment. Learn what it takes to create theatrical plays, musicals, and dramatic shows, under the experienced direction of Mr. Andrew Rosenblat.
Experience the art of movement! Learn a variety of different dance styles, develop your skills and participate in creative, original dance shows presented for the Curie community, neighborhood partnerships, and beyond. Become part of a new generation of dance talent working with Golden Apple teacher Ms. Melinda Wilson.
On March 17, 2026, Curie High School had the distinct privilege of serving as the host site for a district-wide Professional Development day. In a true testament to our school's commitment to fostering leadership, the success of this large-scale event was made possible with the invaluable assistance of our own Curie students. Stepping up as ambassadors, guides, and vital support staff, these student volunteers ensured the day operated seamlessly for visiting educators from across Chicago Public Schools. Their active involvement not only highlighted their individual professionalism but also proudly showcased the collaborative spirit and exceptional character that defines the Curie student body.