Ever wonder why music students start to panic between late September and early October? It’s because it’s ILMEA, Illinois Music Education Association, season! Illinois is divided into nine music districts, and each district tests students on their musical abilities. There is a large variety of genres to audition for in the orchestra, band and choral instruments. Those who pass the audition are invited to a music festival held in November.

Students prepare months in advance for auditions. Musicians prepare a number of songs chosen by the judges. The release date on excerpts vary, and the time can range from months in advance to on-site minutes before the audition. On top of performing their selections, various musical concepts are assessed. Choir students are tested on sight singing, tonal skills and mastery of basic vocal components. Jazz singers are given an improvisational track and asked to perform on scat syllables.

Although it can be stressful, junior Jamie Yerkes attests it as a worthwhile experience and expresses her, “relief and pride in what [she has] accomplished so far with the music program.”
This feeling of confidence and accomplishment truly sets Benet students apart. As Mr. Brian Wand said, “The success of the students is a testament to their talent and hard work. Benet students consistently test as high or higher than schools whose music programs are two to three times larger than ours. The fact that we are sending twenty students to the district concert is an impressive statistic that is demonstrative of our students’ natural talent coupled with their studious focus.”
From band to choir to orchestra, ILMEA sets impressive goals for students and gives them a wonderful motive to advance their musical knowledge. Although the kids from St. Daniel’s have a genuine love of music, passing a successful audition into the district choir is an affirmation of musical ability. Junior Meg Schiliro, said “ILMEA is a wonderful educational experience, and I recommend it to anyone who has a passion for music.” Congratulations to those students who qualified for the district!