By Lexi MooreEarly Thursday, April 7, 32 Hills-Beaver Creek band and choir students boarded a chartered bus in Hills and headed for Chicago.The students were accompanied by nine chaperones, H-BC Choir Director Jodi Ackerman and Band Director Josh Hogberg.The H-BC choir and band departments plan a major trip every four years. During the non-trip years, students participate in a variety of fund-raisers to earn money for the trip.This year’s trip included visits to many of Chicago’s biggest attractions as well as a visit to Wheaton College.The chaperones, as well as the directors, say they enjoy this time because they get to interact with the students outside of the classroom.Hogberg and Ackerman worked together to submit a summary of the days spent in Chicago.ThursdayWe left the H-BC High School at 7:00 a.m. Thursday. We arrived in Chicago around 4:30 p.m. (rush hour), but did not make it downtown to the Sears Tower until 5:45. We took the elevator up to the 103rd floor and had a fantastic view of the city. After we left the tower, we went to Andy’s Jazz Lounge to eat supper and listen to some wonderful jazz music.FridayFriday was a day packed full of events, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanaruim, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier, followed by a Broadway production of "Les Miserables."Seeing "Les Miserables" was definitely a highlight for many who went on the trip.SaturdaySaturday was another day packed full of events. We started out that morning by going to Wheaton College and took part in a master class.The band worked with Dr. Dan Summerville, and the choir worked with Dr. Paul Wiens.Both professors had a lot of good things to say to the ensembles and the students responded well. We will definitely use the comments learned in preparing for our concert on Thursday, May 5.After the Master Class, we went to the Hard Rock Café in downtown Chicago.After eating, we went to the Field Museum of Natural History.The museum was right across from Soldier Field, so after going through the museum, many of us walked around the football stadium and brought some Purple Pride to the Bears.Next on the agenda was a walk down the "Magnificent Mile." Many enjoyed places such as ESPN Zone, Nike Town, various malls, listening to street musicians and the Water Tower Place, among others. After another busy day we went back to the hotel to unwind.SundayThe bus left early to return the students to Rock County.