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Earlier this school year, over 10,000 student musicians from various schools across Illinois took part in a virtual audition process. From these auditions, more than 7,000 students were chosen to participate in district festivals that celebrate young musicians in bands, orchestras, choruses, and jazz ensembles.
Coal City’s vocal and instrumental musicians are involved in the Illinois Music Education Association's (ILMEA) District 1 events. District 1 is known for its competitiveness and comprises schools from the Chicagoland area.
Six vocal students from Coal City High School—Austin Harding, Logan Hausman, Melody Kinder, Mason Natyshok, Olivia Sage, and Martin Ramirez—were selected for the District 1 Choir in November. Additionally, high school instrumental students Mackenzie Messina and Sam Vota joined the District 1 band.
Two middle school students also achieved selection: Jackson Hollis and Haley Johnson for the Junior High Choir. Instrumentalists Abby Hitchcock and Tess Jeschke performed with the district band.
High school students who participated in ILMEA District Festivals had the chance to be selected for ILMEA’s All-State Student Programs. This year saw 1,500 students chosen for these programs; among them are three from Coal City High School.
Melody Kinder, Mason Natyshok, and Martin Ramirez have been named to the All-State Choir. They will perform at the All-State Concerts on February 1st in Peoria.
These performing ensembles feature some of Illinois' finest student musicians who will unite to deliver a series of All-State Concerts. On January 31st, a Jazz Night Concert will showcase performances by student jazz ensembles. The following day will include presentations by the All-State Elementary Chorus as well as inaugural Junior High All-State Chorus Concerts along with other concerts led by distinguished conductors from across the country.
The All-State Student Programs coincide with the Illinois Music Education Conference—a significant professional development event for music educators that draws over 12,000 attendees including students, educators, parents and music industry vendors at Peoria Civic Center to support music education within Illinois.
Michael Kren directs both Coal City High School and Middle School Choirs while Annie Ternes oversees high school instrumentalists. Middle school instrumental instruction is provided by Andrew Brimm.
Furthermore,"three Coal City High School choir students—Cora Armstrong," Caroline Childers,"and Brady Pierson—were nominated by their director to participate" in "the freshmen/sophomore choir at" "the District 1 festival."
