Meet the Candidates

Voting in the Fall 2025 ILMEA elections will take place online.

Please make sure your ILMEA membership is current by October 15, 2025 to receive the emailed election link.

Only Active Members, Retired Members and Life Members are eligible to vote in ILMEA elections.

Visit membership.ilmea.org to check the status of your membership, renew or join!

Chorus division President Candidate

GINA TORBETT
Liberty Junior High School, New Lenox

Why do you want to run for this position?
Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for the role of Chorus Division President of ILMEA. I am committed to advocating for music education and to supporting choral educators and students across the state of Illinois. My journey with this organization began as an all-state musician in high school and continued through my active involvement in the collegiate chapter, where I had the privilege of serving as president. ILMEA continues to play a key role in my career, connecting me with colleagues who teach and inspire me as we work together to create meaningful musical opportunities for all of our students. In District 1, I have helped run successful junior chorus festivals, and I am honored to have co-led the inaugural All-State Junior Chorus this year. At my school, I started a chapter of the Illinois Music Honor Society to help encourage students to be an example to others through service and leadership. The voices of all music educators and students matter, and as Chorus Division President, I would strive to listen with care as we work together to celebrate our successes and explore new ideas for the future. 

Educational Experience

• 2023-2025 - Western Illinois University - Master of Music, Music Education (expected)

• 1997-2001 - Western Illinois University - Bachelor of Arts, Music Education

Teaching Experience

• 2020- present - Martino Junior High, New Lenox - 7-8 Music/Choir

• 2015 - present - St. Michael Parish, Orland Park - K-8 Children's Choir

• 2018 - 2020 - Ridgeland School District 122 - K-5 Music/Choir

• 2002 - 2013 - Oswego Community Unit School District 308 - K-5 Music/Choir

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• ILMEA District 1 Junior Chorus Representative

• ILMEA All-State Junior Chorus Co-Representative

JSGM Division President candidates

JENA COMBS
Lincoln Trail College, Robinson

Why do you want to run for this position?
I’m interested in running for the ILMEA Jr/Sr General Music Division President because I care deeply about creating meaningful opportunities for students in general music classes, especially in small or rural schools where resources can be limited. General music courses at this level often reach students who aren’t part of traditional ensembles, and I believe it’s essential that these students, and their teachers, feel seen and supported. I’ve spent my career building programs that include all learners, and I want to help others do the same. If elected, I’d focus on building connections between teachers, sharing practical ideas and resources, and advocating for the importance of general music at every level. I’m especially interested in finding ways to highlight student work and celebrate the creativity that happens in general music classrooms across the state. I’d be honored to represent this division and help move it forward in a way that reflects the diversity and value of the students we serve.

Educational Experience

• 2019-2021 - Eastern Illinois University - Masters of Arts in Music: Music Education Concentration

• 2011-2015 - Eastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Music with Teacher Licensure

• 2009 - 2011 - Olney Central College - Associates in Science and Arts, Focus in Music 

Teaching Experience

• 2016 - 2017 : Selmaville C.C.S.D. #1 - Kindergarten-8th Grade General Music, 4th-8th grade Band and 5th-8th grade Choir

• 2017 - 2022: Flora Elementary School - 4th and 5th Grade Beginning Band

• 2021 - 2024: Flora High School - 9th through 12th grade Band, Choir, Contemporary Music, General Music Courses (Music Appreciation, Guitar/Ukulele, Drama)

• 2024 - Current: Lincoln Trail College - Instrumental Music Ensembles, Instrumental Lessons, Music Theory Courses, General Education Music Courses (Music in Multi-Cultural America, Music Appreciation, World Music, History of American Music)

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• Illinois State Board of Education Meritorious Service Award – Early Career Educator (2021)

• Receiving Director, NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Program “Support Music Merrit Award” – Flora Schools (2019, 2023, 2024)

• District 5 Elementary General Music/Beginning Band Representative (2023–2024)

• Eastern Illinois University Music Department Distinguished Alumni Award (2024)

• Flora High School Concert Band selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) (2024)

• Selected IMEC Conference Presenter (2024)

• Yamaha “40 Under 40” Distinguished Music Educator Award (2024)

WILLIAM RANK
Oak Prairie Junior High School, Homer Glen

Why do you want to run for this position?
Junior Senior General Music is one of the fastest growing divisions of ILMEA, which is inclusive of a more diverse and comprehensive perspective on music education. Through JSGM, ILMEA supports students in Rock Bands, Mariachi Ensembles, Classical Guitar, Composition, Percussion Ensembles, Ukulele Ensembles, Music Business classes and AP Music Theory. As JSGM Division President, I have been involved with the planning, piloting and implementation of the Commercial Music Festival, Music Composition Workshops, Classical Guitar Festival, and Mariachi Festival. These Nomination Festivals and Workshops are essential to putting ILMEA on the forefront of music education.

In the past two years, we have revised and standardized the Composition Contest Rubrics to provide a richer experience for students. We continue to support young Illinois Composers by showcasing their talents in two IMEC performances and we are now using honoree tracks as the basis for the following years Remix Contest. These tracks have been made available shortly after IMEC for the following year, allowing more students to be involved by giving access to students in spring semester classes.

It is my hope to continue to grow and support all our diverse music programs across the state as we continue to find ways to connect with students.

Educational Experience

• 1996-2001 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors of Science in Music Education

• 2004-2006 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Masters of Science in Music Education

Teaching Experience

• 2001-2005 - Scullen Middle School, Naperville - 6th-8th Grade - Band

• 2005-Present - Oak Prairie Junior High School, Lockport - 6th-8th Grade Bands, Music Technology/Production

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• JSGM Division President - 2022-Present

• District 1 Junior Jazz Representative - 2005-2013, 2017

• Guest Conductor District Jr. & Sr. Jazz - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021

District 1 President candidate

MEGAN FITZGERALD
Argo Community High School, Summit

Why do you want to run for this position?
I have thoroughly enjoyed helping to provide meaningful music experiences for the students and teachers of District 1 for the past two years as District President. This work has been incredibly fulfilling. From witnessing the excitement and enthusiasm of students at our festivals, to introducing new teachers and schools to the programs and opportunities that ILMEA provides, to meeting new colleagues and collaborating with educators from across the district and the state - it has been a pleasure to serve in this role. I plan to continue this work as well as continuing to develop ILMEA's advocacy initiatives as a member of the Advocacy Committee. I will also continue to work to expand and enhance ILMEA's programs to meet the needs of District 1 schools. As we all know, music plays a vital role in a student's education, and I would be honored to be re-elected and be a part of ensuring that we continue to provide these musical experiences for the students of District 1.

Educational Experience

• 1997-2001 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Music Education

• 2008-2009 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Master of Music Education

Teaching Experience

• 2009-Present - Argo Community High School - 9-12 - Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, General Music

• 2004-2008 - Elmwood Park CUSD 401 - 7-12 - Band, Music Theory

• 2001-2004 - Crystal Lake District 47 - 5-6 - Band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• District 1 President (2023-Present)

• District 1 Orchestra Representative (2010-2011, 2016-2017)

• District 1 Professional Development Representative (2015)

District 3 President candidate

RYAN BUDZINSKI
Normal West High School, Normal

Why do you want to run for this position?
I would be honored to serve our district’s student musicians and represent its excellent educators in this role. District 3 is a vibrant community of music educators who care deeply about their students and continually strive to provide meaningful, high-quality musical experiences. I look forward to continuing to cultivate the collaboration, advocacy, and shared leadership that makes high quality District 3 programming so consequential in our students' musical educations. The strength of this district lies in its people—students who strive for excellence, families who support the endeavors of their children, and teachers who are creative and dedicated. Supporting those efforts is a privilege, and service to this community should reflect the same values we instill in our classrooms: collaboration, equity, and a belief in the power of music to connect, express, and inspire.

Educational Experience

• BME from Illinois Wesleyan University, earned 2006

• MMEd from Illinois State University, graduating summer 2025

Teaching Experience

• 2006-current - Normal West High School and other district assignments (department chair since 2015)
  (High School Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Chamber Music, Music Theory, General Music, String Orchestra, Grades 5-8 Band, Jazz Band, Grades 2, 4, 5 General Music)

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• ILMEA District 3 Senior Band Representative, 2018-2020

• Illinois High School Association Music Advisory Committee, 2019-2022

• Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Award of Excellence, 2022-2023 SY

• Illinois High School Association Outstanding Music Educator Award, 2024-2025 SY

District 4 president candidates

DEBORAH JOHNSON
Quincy Public Schools, Quincy

Why do you want to run for this position?
I have always felt a strong desire to give back to the organization that provided so much to me as a student and as an educator. It has been a very rewarding experience being involved with ILMEA throughout the years. I know that the work done by ILMEA creates amazing opportunities for students and educators.

Educational Experience

• Quincy University - Bachelor of Science Music Education - 1995

• Quincy University - Master of Science School Administration - 2006

Teaching Experience

• 1995-1997 - Hamilton School District - Band

• 1997-present - Quincy Public Schools - Band, General Music, Music Administrator

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• District 4 - Professional Development Representative

• District 4 - President

district 9 president candidate

AMANDA LARSON
Lakewood Elementary School, Carpentersville

Why do you want to run for this position?
I am committed to advocating and promoting music education and its importance to a student's growth and development.  As a music educator, and as an ILMEA representative, I am aware of the amount of time, commitment, and resourcefulness required to support the ILMEA's District festivals. I feel I am fully capable of honoring this process and executing it with fidelity.  I annually implement a general music festival, in which I am responsible for finding the location, clinicians, and needs assessments, but I also set-up & break-down these festivals, even while serving my own students during the festival. I have strong sense of responsibility, hard-work, and consistency that is required to help representatives, schools, and all stakeholders to ensure a successful festival season and that my fellow colleagues feel heard and supported.  If selected, I plan to continue the wonderful work of previous D9 Presidents and I also plan to help with the improvement and connectivity-through the various musical outlets available already, as well as future promotions and communications, to enroll future educators and schools into the ILMEA umbrella.

Educational Experience

• Elmhurst College: Class of 2012-bachelor's in music education K-12, American College of Education (ACE): Class of 2024-master's in educational leadership

Teaching Experience

• Lakewood Elementary School-Carpentersville, Il., CUSD#300:  K-5 General Music & Choir (10 yrs)., Westfield Community School- Grades 6-8: Musical vocal director (2 yrs), Summer Theater & Choir Camps-Grade 3-8 (CUSD#300): Camp director (6 years). 

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• D9 EGM Rep. (5 yrs), and interim D9Choir Rep

CHRIS OWEN
Batavia High School, Batavia

Why do you want to run for this position?
I applaud the current ILMEA board and their predecessors in making ILMEA more transparent, inclusive, and welcoming to all musicians and educators throughout Illinois. I’d like to continue to work with amazing and dedicated music educators on this path of inclusivity for all musicians while looking to develop more on-ramps for new programs for our students. I have a strong vision for what music education could look like for all students including what that would look like in the short and long terms throughout District IX and throughout the rest of Illinois. I hope to work with all the stakeholders in Illinois to find creative solutions to our major issues as well as represent the students and music educators of District IX to the best of my ability.

Educational Experience

• 2001-2005 - University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Music Education

• 2017-2019 - Eastern Illinois University - Master of Arts in Music

Teaching Experience

• 2006-2012 - Glenbard East High School - 9-12 - Band/AP Music Theory/Choir/Guitar

• 2012-Present - Batavia High School - 9-12 - Band/AP Music Theory/Fine Arts Department Chair

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2009-2013 - ILMEA District IX Band Representative

• National Band Association - Five Citations of Excellence