Four exceptional music students from Antioch Upper Grade School have been accepted into the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Jr. Honor Band: Margo Martensen (Flute) and Trevor Wendt (French Horn), and Junior Honor Jazz Band: Alex Dusek (Jazz Trumpet) and Lilly Selvik (Jazz Alto Saxophone).
As members of the ILMEA Jr. Honor bands, these students had the esteemed opportunity to perform in the ILMEA District Festival at Glenbrook South High School on November 4th and the ILMEA District Jazz Festival at Lake Zurich High School on November 18th. This annual gathering of students in grades 6-12 draws participants from across the state and offers young musicians the unique opportunity to perform and receive feedback from some of the finest music educators in Illinois. This year, the Junior Honor Band students had the privilege of working under the guidance of guest conductor and composer William Owens and the Junior Jazz students worked with music educator Dave Tribley.
The festival offers participants an opportunity to collaborate with other gifted musicians from District 7, which encompasses middle schools in Lake and Cook County (excluding Chicago), and is renowned for its competitiveness due to the sheer number of participating schools. This year, District 7 had over 500 students audition for a spot in the Junior Band and Junior Jazz Band. Festival participants learn firsthand from experienced music educators and accomplished composers. This exposure provides them with an opportunity to refine their skills and gain valuable insights into the world of music, as the festival serves as a platform for these young musicians to compete against some of the state’s most talented peers, pushing them to reach new heights in their musical journey.
The acceptance of these four Antioch Upper Grade School students into the ILMEA Jr. Honor Band is a testament to their dedication, passion, and remarkable talent. As they confidently took the stage, they carried with them the support and pride of the entire D34 community!
