Downers Grove District 99 students selected for ILMEA State Festival
Several student musicians at Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South high schools were selected by audition for the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Band, Orchestra, Choir and Composition Workshop.
Students submitted video auditions, which were evaluated by a panel of judges.
The top scorers participated in the District Music Festival, held Nov. 18. Of those who participated in the festival, the highest-rated students across Illinois earned the title of All-State Musicians.
"Selection to an All-State ensemble is an incredible honor for any high school musician. Our Fine Arts faculty is extremely proud of these students," said Gina Wych, Fine Arts Department Chair at Downers Grove North High School.
Twelve students from Downers Grove South High School and eleven from Downers Grove North High School will represent their school at the Illinois Music Educators Conference in Peoria in January 2024.
"To not only complete such a rigorous audition process but to be placed among the top musicians in the entire state is a testament to the work and dedication these students show," said Jerry Lowrey, Fine Arts Department Chair at Downers Grove South High School.
South
• Band and Orchestra Winds: Evangeline Selking, sophomore - Flute (Band); and Becca Snouffer, junior - Clarinet (Band)
• Chorus: Sebastian Blanco, junior - Bass II; Gianna Caponigro, senior - Soprano I; Scott Conley, senior - Bass II; Jurate Davies, sophomore - Alto II; Ethan Figueroa, freshman - Tenor I; Maija Flannery, senior - Soprano I; and Jack Melie, sophomore - Bass I
• Jazz Band: Lucas Ciocan, senior - Tenor Sax
• Orchestra Strings: Kevin Hernandez, junior - Cello; and Matthew Lin, junior - Cello
North
• Orchestra Strings: Emma Lau, senior - Cello; Joe Leckie, senior - Cello; Caleb McCloud, junior - Violin; and Holden Peckenpaugh, senior - Double Bass.
• Chorus: Gabriel Deaton, junior - Bass I (Honors Chorus); and Finn Ormond, senior - Bass I (All-State Chorus)
• Band & Orchestra Winds: John Fioti, senior - Bass Trombone (Band); Ethan Martin, senior - Tuba (Band); Aarush Palli, senior - Flute (Band); and Ethan Weingust, senior - Bassoon (Orchestra)
• Composition: Sophia Hamelka, senior: second place, Commercial Instrumental; second place, Singer/Songwriter; and honorable mention, Rock Band
For more information on the Fine Arts Department at Downers Grove North High School or Downers Grove South High School, visit their school websites.