ILMEA is excited for the inaugural Junior High All-State Band and Orchestra in January 2026 and the return of the Junior High All-State Chorus! As with any new program, we know that educators, administrators and parents will have many questions. This FAQ will help to address these questions so that everyone is as prepared as possible for this outstanding experience.
ILMEA has leadership and service opportunities for junior high, high school music students, and collegiate pre-service music educators - learn more about the ILMHS and ILCMEA!
The ILMEA Board of Directors, at their Summer 2020 Business Meeting, recommitted to the ongoing work of creating learning environments and opportunities for their members, and the students they serve, that celebrates inclusion and diversity. Click through to read more!
Join us for the 2026 ILMEA Large Group Festival series! We invite all participating middle and high school band, orchestra, instrumental jazz and chorus programs to join us in this unique event designed to bring our musical community together for world-class performance venues, invaluable feedback from renowned adjudicators, inspiring performances, and the opportunity to support fellow educators and students from around the state!
Spring Festivals are coming soon! These are fantastic musical experiences for student musicians that might not be part of the fall auditions and festivals, so the spring festivals are a great time to focus on the music-making that happens at your school outside of the traditional ensembles. These festivals are also open to participants from other districts!
If you want to see where some of the biggest and most varied growth has been happening within ILMEA over the past few years, you’d need to take a look at the Junior/Senior General Music (JSGM) division! With new festivals, album streaming releases and an expanded Composition Contest there’s lots to catch up on to see how you and your students can get involved!
