Saturday, November 19, 2016

ILMEA District 1 Festival - a stunning celebration of the Arts @Dist_99 @ILMEA1 #99Learns @DGSPride












Congratulations to the student musicians who participated in the ILMEA District 1 Band, Choir, Orchestra and 9/10 Choir today at Elmhurst College.  Students worked with inspirational conductors and teachers today, including Professor Ross Kellan, Dr. Cheryl Frazes-Hill, Dr. Robert Hasty and Mr. Michael Bultman.  After just over 6 hours of rehearsal, each ensemble presented a stunning performance of challenging repertoire to a capacity crowd exceeding 1,000 patrons at Faganel Hall on the beautiful campus of Elmhurst College.  Several District 99 students were featured during the concert as soloists or in principle chairs in each of the ensembles.  

Special kudos also to the music go to the music faculty in District 99 for personifying the spirit of professional volunteerism that keeps ILMEA a vibrant organization: Brayer Teague is the President-Elect of ILMEA, Craig Roselieb is the President of the Jazz Division;  Jennifer Mullen is the co-chair of the District 1 Orchestra Division;  Beth O'Riordian is the co-chair of the District 1 Choral Division; Laura Coster is the co-chair of the  District 1 9/10 Honors Choir;  Joy Belt-Roselieb led a professional development reading session for music educators; Frank Piekarz adjudicated students auditioning to sing the Star Spangled Banner at future IHSA All-State Sporting events.  

All the District 99 students and staff extend a heartfelt "thank you" to our hosts today at Elmhurst College, including Pete Griffin, Jim Hile and Ross Kellan.