The Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) is a prestigious event that brings young musicians from all over Illinois to Peoria. More commonly referred to as All-State, the occasion is a chance for students to perform and collaborate with other students across the state. This year, All-State took place from January 29 to February 1.
“If you think of advancing to the state level for a sport, All-State is almost like a super team,” band director and Music Department Chair John Teichert said. “It’s an ultra-focused rehearsal with kind of the top tier in the state. For instance, [Fremd has] a really strong music program, but around the state, it might not be as consistent. So the ability to come together and play with musicians of that same caliber and interest level is quite a special event.”
Qualifying for All-State is a multi-step process. First, students must audition and qualify for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) district festival. Then, selected students submit a second audition, which is used to determine their placement within All-State.
For junior Malu Pisharody, an Honors Band bassist, this was a smooth process.
“The auditions were entirely virtual, so [auditioning] wasn’t too bad,” Pisharody said. “We had the whole summer and a few weeks at the beginning of the school year to prepare for the first round. The district festival was held in November, and then in early December, I found out I got into All-State. A week later, I submitted my placement audition to determine whether I’m in All-State of Honors, and also my seating.”
This year, Fremd sent a record breaking 19 students to All-State, including seven from choir, six from orchestra, and six from band. Upon arrival in Peoria, the group enjoyed dinner and a concert featuring LowDown Brass Band. The following two days were packed with rehearsals and fun events.
For example, students attended the Composition Showcase, where they enjoyed a performance by musical artist Doso and the compositions that won the ILMEA Composition Contest. Additionally, District 211 went out for a celebratory dinner, a tradition that many students thoroughly enjoyed.
On the closing day of All-State, students had one final rehearsal before the event wrapped up with a concert featuring the young musicians and all the work they’ve put in. After many rounds of applause, pictures were taken, goodbyes were said, and All-State officially came to an end.
Each year, many ILMEA and All-State prospects send in audition videos. Pisharody shares her advice for students undergoing this procedure.
“My biggest tip would be to listen to multiple recordings [of the music] many times.” Pisharody said. “When you just get the audition excerpts, they could seem really random, but listening to the whole piece allows you to better understand the style. It makes playing a lot easier.”
The Fremd Music Department has consistently fostered the development of young musicians, providing a hub for the growth of skill and passion. Because of this supportive environment, so many students are able to excel in music, and Fremd’s presence at All-State is a true testament to that.
