Thirteen Sycamore High School students were selected to participate in the 2018 Illinois Music Education (ILMEA) Conference recently held at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. Sycamore High School has been represented at the prestigious All-State Conference numerous times and Sycamore again has one of the largest contingents in the state of All-State musicians in attendance. Students were selected via a rigorous audition process from the district ILMEA festival held earlier this year. Illinois has 9 districts throughout the state, and each district was able to send their top students to be represented at this All-State Conference. The all-state music experience is unlike any other musical experience. Students from the entire state come together, are placed into performing ensembles, and put together a concert of challenging music in less than three days.
All-State musicians were treated to a special rally as they departed for the weekend festival. Fellow students, faculty, and family gathered in the High School Choir Room for a brief send-off. Scott Mertens comments in a brief speech, “These students were not selected for All-State just because of their talent, but also because of their dedication and choice to spend extra time practicing the audition music. They chose to do something, and do it well. All State is an unique and exciting opportunity for these high school musicians that they will always remember.” He also acknowledged the private teachers of these students and their parents and families for their unending support. Upon departure, the SHS Band played the School Song and they received a special escort including celebratory lights and sirens provided by the Sycamore Police Department. We are very proud of these student’s accomplishments and representation of Sycamore High School and Community School District #427.
Congratulations to the following students from Sycamore High School who have the distinguished honor of being selected for All-State:
All-State Honors Choir: Kjelden Breidenbach, Kaitlin Jacobson, Dana Nielsen, Alexander Smith
All-State Choir: Jen Diemer
All-State Band: Ryan Loitz
All-State Orchestra Winds: Matthew Rogers
All-State Orchestra: Ben Briscoe, Grace Frielink, Julia Luo, Kelsey Mulligan, Joon Park, Tsavo Walker
During the festival weekend, participants attended numerous rehearsals, attended workshops, panel discussions and master classes, and performed a concert at the Peoria Civic Center. The opportunity for students and staff to attend this festival was made possible by the Sycamore Music Boosters. Profits from their annual fundraisers are dedicated to support the students and staff of Sycamore music students.