Several student musicians at Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High School 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 November 18, 2023. 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.
Downers Grove South High School
Band and Orchestra Winds
Evangeline Selking (10) - Flute (Band)
Becca Snouffer (11) - Clarinet (Band)
Chorus
Sebastian Blanco (11) - Bass II
Gianna Caponigro (12) - Soprano I
Scott Conley (12) - Bass II
Jurate Davies (10) - Alto II
Ethan Figueroa (9) - Tenor I
Maija Flannery (12) - Soprano I
Jack Melie (10) - Bass I
Jazz Band
Lucas Ciocan (12) - Tenor Sax
Orchestra Strings
Kevin Hernandez (11) - Cello
Matthew Lin (11) - Cello
Downers Grove North High School
Orchestra Strings
Emma Lau (12) - Cello
Joe Leckie (12) - Cello
Caleb McCloud (11) - Violin
Holden Peckenpaugh (12) - Double Bass
Chorus
Gabriel Deaton (11) - Bass I (Honors Chorus)
Finn Ormond (12) - Bass I (All-State Chorus)
Band & Orchestra Winds
John Fioti (12) - Bass Trombone (Band)
Ethan Martin (12) - Tuba (Band)
Aarush Palli (12) - Flute (Band)
Ethan Weingust (12) - Bassoon (Orchestra)
Composition
Sophia Hamelka (12)
- 2nd Place, Commercial Instrumental
- 2nd Place, Singer/Songwriter
- 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 website.