Six School District U46 students were lauded for their musical talents at the school board meeting Monday night.
The students were named all-state musicians by the Illinois Music Educators Association.
The designation represents the highest musical achievement for Illinois high school musicians, according to the district.
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“(The Association) is a special venue for our students to showcase, compete and stand proudly among the best in the state of Illinois,” U46 fine arts coordinator Alicia Kopec said in a statement announcing the awards. “It’s a true reflection on the students’ passion to learn and the passion of dedicated staff that are willing to share their love of music.”
Students granted the awards Monday night include Elgin High’s Walker Demel, a junior and all-state choir member, and senior trumpet player Brandon Berg of Larkin High, all-state band.
From South Elgin High, senior Alisha Jury received the distinction in the all-state musical category, while seniors Connor Murray and Abby Wheatley took home awards for choir, as did junior Kailie Ryan.
Students took part in a competitive audition process last fall to earn the all-state honor, according to the district.
Selected students will perform at the association’s music education conference Wednesday through Saturday in Peoria.
“Success of this level rarely happens without a massive quantity of practice and study,” Larkin High band director Brendyn Dobbeck said in the district’s release announcing the awards. “Having a student qualify for this festival is a testament to their hard work and dedication of music.”
The nonprofit Illinois Music Educators Association is one of the largest of the 52 affiliates comprising the National Association for Music Education, representing all levels of music education, according to the group’s website.
Presenting the awards Monday night, board President Donna Smith called the distinctions “phenomenal.”
“Congratulations on your accomplishment,” she said.
District CEO Tony Sanders also thanked the parents of instrument players who endured the seemingly endless hours of practice along the way.
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