The 2015 Sycamore High School Music Hall of Fame inductees were recently honored and officially inducted during an afternoon ceremony in the Sycamore High School Auditorium. In its third year, the ongoing Sycamore High School Music Hall of Fame awards program each year will honor and recognize a variety of Sycamore High School alumni and music advocates who have demonstrated superior participation and/or support of the Sycamore music programs. This year’s inductees include Paul Marchese, Eric Montzka, and Karl Montzka, each a Legacy Award recipient. Sycamore Music Boosters President, Ken Olson, along with Hall of Fame Committee Chair, Madelyn Anderson, introduced each inductee and presented them with their certificate award and commemorative tile. After brief speeches by each inductee, the audience enjoyed performances with Karl playing piano, Paul strumming his Ukulele, and Eric on drum set. Brothers Karl and Eric performed a duet; Paul sang and played the Ukulele accompanied by Karl, and as a special treat, Eric, Paul and Karl performed as a trio together on the stage.
The 2015 ILMEA All-State Music Students were also recognized and presented a Certificate of Recognition at this ceremony. Sycamore High School had 17 music students representing the community at the prestigious All-State Festival in Peoria this past January. Additionally, the Sycamore High School Symphonic Band had the honor to perform at the ILMEA Music Conference this year. Ken Olson recognized this prestigious accomplishment and presented a commemorative plaque to SHS Band Director Ken Goodman.
The Music Hall of Fame display case, located across the hall from the Auditorium, was unveiled with all three inductees sharing the honor of removing the drapery and enjoying the updated elegant and beautiful Music Hall of Fame display case. The ceremony concluded with a light reception.
This Music Hall of Fame includes four award categories, each of which will recognize different ways in which SHS alums and members of our community have contributed to the ongoing standards of excellence in our music programs. Nominations for any or all of these categories are now being collected for the next awards of 2016 with thesubmission deadline of October 1, 2015. More information, nomination forms, and instructions may be found at: www.sycamoremusicboosters.com.
Sycamore Music Boosters would like to thank the following people for their hard work and dedication in making the Music Hall of Fame happen: Sycamore High School Principal Tim Carlson, Superintendent Kathy Countryman, Chauncey Carrick, David Olson, Jim Dombek, Sycamore Music Boosters President Ken Olson, Music Hall of Fame Committee Chair Madelyn Anderson, Ken Olson and the Hall of Fame committee, Sycamore Music Boosters Publicist Deb Loitz, Sycamore High School Music Department Chair Scott Mertens and the entire Sycamore High School Music Department staff.
The Sycamore Music Boosters is a volunteer organization comprised of families and friends of students enrolled in music education classes in Sycamore Schools. Their mission statement is, “Enriching the quality of music education, performanceand awareness in the Sycamore schools and community.” To learn more about the Sycamore Music Boosters please visit the web site already listed and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.