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Selected students success at ILMEA

Photo illustration by Phoebe Mann
Photo illustration by Phoebe Mann

Excitement for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) festival sparked around South, as the few selected students prepared for their trip to Peoria, Illinois. 

Eight South students attended the annual festival that took place from January 29 to the 31,  according to junior Patrick McGuire, Master Singers member. The festival highlighted students’ effort in music and included performances of orchestra, band, choir, and also composing, Cody Halberstadt, Fine Arts Director, said. Audiences consisted of parents, college professors, and other students. “Not just our students, but the entire state works together on something that is that beautiful and moving.” Halberstadt said, “I think it is really special,” 

In addition, the environment before the festival is the most independent and solo, with kids working alone in preparation for their performances. Once students arrived at ILMEA, the environment became collaborative, and students supported and motivated each other in their respective realms of choir, orchestra, and other musical works, Halberstadt said.

McGuire was one of the students selected to perform in the All-State Honors Choir, which is the highest vocal ensemble in the festival. For McGuire, the experience represents an opportunity to be a part of a larger musical community.

“I love to learn from my peers and just continue to get better at singing, and it’s just a lot of fun, so I enjoy it,” McGuire said.

Like McGuire, senior clarinetist Sophia Lim was also selected to attend the ILMEA festival. Lim advanced through multiple stages of auditions to earn a spot at the top ensemble, Lim said. Although the festival is not a competition, both McGuire and Lim highlighted the importance of being chosen to showcase their musical abilities with other musicians across the state, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with being selected for ILMEA. “Being able to attend ILMEA.  

“All-State is a privilege that is obtained by months of hard work, so all the kids who attend feel very proud of themselves for not giving up,” Lim said.