Meet the Candidates

Voting in the Fall 2026 ILMEA elections will take place online.

Please make sure your ILMEA membership is current by October 23, 2026 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!

State president elect CANDIDATES

Christopher Weisenborn
Maroa-Forsyth Middle School & High School

Why do you want to run for this position?
As I sat on the floor of the IMEC convention center in 2004, preparing to enter a profession that would profoundly shape my life, I knew that music education would become much more than a career—it would become a calling. Since that time, I have felt a deep responsibility to give back, not only to my own students, but also to the music educators and young musicians throughout Illinois who make our profession so meaningful.

Serving as a District Choral Representative for ten years provided invaluable leadership experience and prepared me for the opportunity to serve as District 5 President. In my current role on the ILMEA Board of Directors, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact our organization has on students across the state. Every festival, audition, performance, and leadership initiative creates opportunities that inspire, challenge, and shape young musicians—just as ILMEA did for many of us when we were students.

ILMEA has given so much to me throughout my career, and I believe I still have more to contribute. I am seeking this position because I am passionate about supporting our members, advancing our mission, and ensuring that future generations of students continue to benefit from the transformative power of music education.

Educational Experience

• 2004-2008 - Millikin University - Bachelors of Music (Music Education, Vocal)

• 2013-2015 - Illinois State University - Masters of Music (Music Education, Vocal)

Teaching Experience

• 18 years - Maroa-Forsyth Middle/High Schools. 6-12 Choir, Music Appreciation, Director of Middle & High School Musicals

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• District 5 Choir Representative (2010-2020)

• High School Choir selected to perform at IMEC 2019

• District 5 President (2023-present)

Madeline Wood
United Intermediate School & United Junior/Senior High School, Monmouth

Why do you want to run for this position?
ILMEA has shaped my life from every perspective. As a student, I performed in the District 9 band, orchestra, and jazz band. As a District 2 music educator, I prepare students for auditions, help record Future Music Educator Seminar videos, and bring my general music students to festivals. As a parent, I experienced the unforgettable joy of watching my stepson perform at his first ILMEA festival. As District 2 President, I collaborated with District Representatives and the ILMEA Board to advance ILMEA's mission to advocate for universal access to comprehensive music education, deliver exemplary professional development for educators, and provide outstanding musical experiences for all Illinois learners.

I believe leadership is about bringing people together to move ideas into action. I am committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. I strive to lead by listening, collaborating, and supporting others. Whether responding to emails, reviewing bylaws, or recognizing and uplifting colleagues' strengths, I am dedicated to serving music educators and students with integrity and purpose.

It would be a dream to learn from and serve alongside President Stacy Williams-Jackson and President Elect Gina Wych. I would be honored to earn your support to continue working to strengthen the future of ILMEA.

Educational Experience

• 2006-2010 - Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University - Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and Music Education

• 2013-2014 - Northern State University - Master of Music Education

• 2027 (Anticipated) University of Illinois - Doctor of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Equity

Teaching Experience

• 2011 - St. Paul Lutheran Academy in Skokie, Pre-K-8 General Music and Choir

• 2011-Present - United Intermediate School and United Junior/Senior High School, Fifth Grade General Music (Beats and Beyond) and 6-12 Band

• 2020-Present - Knox College Flute Choir and Flute Lessons

• 2023-Present - Bradley University Woodwind Methods

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

Illinois Music Education Association Leadership

• District 2 President

• District 2 Jazz Representative

• Elementary General Music (EGM) Festival Host

• Illinois Music Education Journal (IMEJ) Article Author

• Chair, ILMEA Bylaws Committee

• Member, ILMEA Conductor Diversity and Repertoire Diversity Committees

• Proposed and advocated for the establishment of the LGBTQ+ Reception at the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC)

• IMEC Presenter

• ILMEA Emerging Leaders Program Participant

Professional Achievements and Awards

• 2023 West Central Illinois Teacher of the Year

• Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) Excellence in Education Award

• Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class Act Award

• Teach Plus K-12 Policy Fellow of the Year

Music teacher education division president CANDIDATE

Dawn Farmer
Augustana College, Rock Island

Why do you want to run for this position?
The MTE President position acts as a liaison between the members of higher education in our field and the state organization. To be successful in this venture, a person must be a successful communicator and leader and also have a vision for the future. I have a solid track record of being an active listener and collaborator, as well as one who takes the initiative to get projects done. Established programs, such as FMES and the Bridge Mentorship Program, should continue to be reviewed and developed so that they can meet the ever changing needs of our membership, our early career teachers, and those we are working to recruit into the profession. Continued dialog about these ideas and programs are essential in order for their success. I would also like to examine the research publication possibilities of the state journal and encourage submissions. I look forward to continuing serving in this role so that I can be an advocate for our profession. I feel that my work so far has produced some advances for the division and look forward to continuing that work. Thank you for your consideration and for your dedication to our discipline.

Educational Experience

• 2010-2015 - Arizona State University - Ph.D., Music Education

• 2006-2008 - University of Maryland - MA, Music Education

• 1997-2002 - University of Arizona - BM, Music Education

Teaching Experience

• 2018-current - Augustana College - Undergrads - Music Ed/Music courses

• 2014-2018 - Saint Mary's College - Undergrads - Music Ed/Music/Educ courses

• 2013-2014 - University of Oklahoma - Undergrads and Grads - Music Ed/Research courses

• 2012-2013 - Boise State University - Undergrads and Grads - Music Ed/Research courses

• 2010-2012 - Arizona State Univ. - Undergrads - Music Ed courses

• 2008-2010 - Kenmoor MS (MD) - grades 7/8 - band, orchestra, guitar, general music

• 2006-2008 - Univ. of Maryland - Undergrads - Music Ed courses

• 2002-2006 - Manhattan Beach USD (CA) schools - grades 4/5 & 9-12 - concert and marching band, orchestra

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2024-current: MTE Division President

• 2023-2024: MTE Division President Elect

• 2020-2023: MTE Council member

• 2020-current: Editorial Board, "Contributions to Music Education"

• 2019-2023: Board Chair, Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority

• 2011-2023: Board Member, Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority

• 2011-2013: National President, Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority

• 2006-2013: National Council, Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority

ORCHESTRA DIVISION PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

Izabella Gieron
MacArthur Middle School, Prospect Heights

Why do you want to run for this position?
I would like to run for this position because I am passionate about strengthening orchestra education throughout Illinois and ensuring that every student has access to meaningful, high-quality musical experiences. I believe students deserve opportunities that inspire their artistic growth, foster a sense of belonging, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music. By supporting and and empowering educators, I would like to continue to help build programs that positively impact students for years to come.

Throughout the past five years of my teaching career and my service as the ILMEA District 7 Junior Orchestra Representative, I have been committed to collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and creating opportunities that benefit both students and educators. These experiences have reinforced by belief that our greatest responsibility is to serve our members while keeping students at the center of every decision we make.

As Orchestra Division President, I am deeply committed to representing the diverse voices of our orchestra community, planning exceptional state-level ensemble experiences, and supporting professional learning that equips for teachers to thrive. I am committed to leading with integrity, listening with purpose, and working collaboratively to ensure a vibrant future for orchestra education in Illinois and the students we serve.

Educational Experience

• 2017-2021 - Northern Illinois University - B.M. Music Education, B.M. Music Performance - Violin

• 2022-2024 - Boston University - M.M. Music Education

Teaching Experience

• Prospect Heights District 23 - 5 years - MacArthur Middle School & Anne Sullivan Elementary, Grades 4-8

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2 years - ILMEA D7 Jr Orchestra representative

• 2021 - Recipient of the ILMEA Outstanding Student Teacher Award

Brad Pfeil
Neuqua Valley High School & Metea Valley High School (Naperville/Aurora)

Why do you want to run for this position?
I am happy to continue to serve as Orchestra Division President in order to serve the directors and students in the Illinois music community. My leadership in ILMEA and ASTA (past president in Illinois and Nevada) shows my commitment to music education and my willingness to serve the greater educational community. I will continue to listen to members as to how we can best serve students and educators to make ILMEA an organization that continues to serve the needs of students and educators.

Educational Experience

• 1995 - University of Michigan - Bachelor of Music

• 2002 - University of Nevada Las Vegas - Masters of Music Education

Teaching Experience

• 1996-2005 - Las Vegas High School

• 2003-2007 University of Nevada Las Vegas - Adjunct Professor of Double Bass

• 2005-Present - Neuqua Valley High School

• 2015-2024 - Crone Middle School Orchestra

• 2024-Present - Metea Valley High School

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• Current Orchestra Division President

• Division 9 Orchestra Division Representative

District 2 President candidates

Alex Binek
Kewanee High School, Kewanee

Why do you want to run for this position?
The Illinois Music Education Association has had an influential impact on my life and career since I first auditioned in 7th grade. I believe if the work the organization does to provide authentic, inspiring opportunities for music students in our state. As a teacher, the ILMEA has provided me with a system, a path, and the training to help my students achieve at levels they never thought possible. My time serving as a band representative in District 2 has been delightful. I have met many wonderful people, successfully advocated for rural music students, and have grown as a school leader and musician. To continue to serve my school, my region, and the state of Illinois as District 2 President would be a great honor.

Educational Experience

• 2007-2012 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor’s in Music Education

• 2022-2026 - Western Illinois University - Master’s in Educational Leadership

Teaching Experience

• 2012-2014 - Annawan CUSD 226 - K-12 Music, Band, and Choir

• 2014-Present - Kewanee CUSD 229 - 5-12 Band, 9-12 Choir, Transportation Director

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• District 2 Senior Band Representative 2016-2021, 2025-Present

• Six-time IHSA State Finals Pep Band

• Three-time IHSA Music Sweepstakes State Champion

Spencer Rockford
Limestone Community High School, Bartonville

Why do you want to run for this position?
My life’s passion is music and music education. I have so much to attribute to the experiences I have had with ILMEA and the quality music educators that have believed in it. Now as a teacher, I have gotten to expose my students to this same great organization and pass on the great experiences it has to offer. This is my main reason for participating as a volunteer leader as long as I have and why I am applying for this position.

Educational Experience

• 2008-2012 - Millikin University - Bachelor of Music in Music Education Vocal Emphasis

Teaching Experience

• 2012-2013 - Ottawa Grade Schools - K8 - Choir and General Music

• 2013-2015 - Mt Carmel Middle School - 6-8 - Choir and General Music

• 2015-2021 - Ottawa Twp. High School - Choirs, Vocal Jazz

• 2021-2023 - Milton Pope School - K8 - Tech Coordinator

• 2023-present - Limestone Comm. High School - Choirs , Vocal Jazz

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• D2 Senior Vocal Jazz Rep - 2016-2021, 2023-present

• ILMEA Emerging Leader

• 2x IHSA AA State Championship Music Department

District 7 President candidates

Adam Gohr
Libertyville High School, Libertyville

Why do you want to run for this position?
I would be honored to serve as District 7 President if the members would like to have me in that role; my previous experience working within the ILMEA organization for many of the last 21 years in the district, including hosting district Band Festival in fall 2021 and Jazz Festival in fall 2025 have given me valuable perspective on the diverse strengths and needs of both our district and our programs. In the District President's role I would seek to advocate for our programs across all disciplines and ages, both regionally and at the state level, and work with the very talented and dedicated educators in our district to help determine the best practices to meet their needs. My primary goal would be to work in a highly transparent manner as a peer delegate to the Board to help establish and reinforce good policy decisions that serve the varied needs of our region, programs, and state organization to place us on a solid foundation for years to come.

Educational Experience

• 1994 - University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - BME

• 2005 - Penn State University - MME

Teaching Experience

• 13 Years Libertyville HS 9-12 Band

• 8 Years Mundelein HS 9-12 Band

• 2 Years Penn State University Undergrad Bands/Mus Ed

• 2 Years Berkeley SD 87 K-8 General Music

• 2 Years Lyons SD 103 4-8 Band; 1 Year (P/T) Maine South HS 9-12 Band/Orch

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• D7 Band Representative, D7 Percussion Coordinator.

• I have had groups perform and presented at IMEC, as well as numerous other regional and national performances including SuperState, CBDNA, and NBA conferences.

• The LHS Band Program was the 2019 recipient of the National NBA Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence Award, one of only 4 schools nationally selected for this honor.

Shan Kazmi
Zion-Benton Township High School, Zion

Why do you want to run for this position?
ILMEA has shaped a lot of my professional career, from my own experience as a middle school and high school student, to my collegiate chapter membership, to now serving as a district representative. My earlier experiences led me to the path of volunteering, but those earlier experiences couldn't have happened without the hard work of volunteer leaders at the time. Our organization is built off of this servant leadership model, and I hope to continue to sustain our organization by giving back in the capacity as District 7 President. My experience hosting auditions, serving as a district representative, and soon hosting a district level festival have given me a better understanding of the logistical workings of the organization. I believe my background and skills in this area can help me continue to serve my peers while giving me the space to focus on the broader reach of ILMEA for all of our membership and student across the district and the state.

Educational Experience

• 2010 - Elmhurst University - BME Music Education Instrumental

• 2015 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - MME Music Education

• 2027 - Messiah University - MM Wind Conducting (anticipated)

Teaching Experience

• 2010-2011 - Schaumburg CCSD 54 - Grades 5-8 Instrumental Music

• 2011-Present - Zion-Benton Township High School - Grades 9-12 Band, Guitar, Piano, Music Production, AP Music Theory, Self Contained General Music

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• ILMEA District 7 Senior Band Representative - 2023-Present

• Yamaha "40 Under 40" Educator - 2025

• William P. Foster Project Community Development Award (North Central Division) - 2025

• National Band Association Citation of Excellence - 2024, 2026

• NAMM Foundation Support Music Merit Award - 2016-2025

District 8 president candidate

Weston Brabeck
Auburn High School, Rockford

Why do you want to run for this position?
I have always gravitated towards a leadership role. In my district I became the Curriculum Implemtation Leader, events planning coordinator, and Teacher leader for the high school instrumental teachers in RPS 205 for the past 4 years. I’ve helped support other schools programs with collaborative events between schools, designed curriculum for our piano and guitar classes, planned out district honor band festivals, and advocate for music education in Rockford to expand the schools programs. I’ve seen ILMEA through the scope of a small town rural school and a larger urban area, and would push for advocacy for all deserving students in all schools to participate and succeed in ILMEA.

Educational Experience

• 2011-1014, Illinois State University, l-12 music education

Teaching Experience

• 2015-2018- Oakwood CUSD 76- 5-12- Band/Choir

  2018-2022- Guilford High School- 9-12- Band/Piano

  2022-2026- Auburn High School- 9-12- Band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2025-2026 District 8 High School Chairperson