Concert Timing
For the Concert Time Block, please note that for shared concert blocks, this time is split between the two ensembles. Each ensemble should plan for a program of approximately 25 minutes (unless indicated otherwise) with 15 minutes to change over between ensembles. Each ensemble will have warm-up time before the concert block begins. More information regarding in-room percussion and equipment will be coming in a later email communication.
Concert Repertoire
Please be reminded of the following that all performing ensemble applicants agreed to when filling out the application for IMEC 2027:
The ILMEA Board of Directors is guided by this DEI statement adopted in Summer 2020:
The Illinois Music Education Association believes the diversity of our students and educators strengthens our organization, and people engage best when they know they are valued. We strive to honor this diversity in our conductors, clinicians, and repertoire, so every Illinois student and teacher can see themselves reflected in ILMEA.
To that end, please be sure that the repertoire, composers and arrangers included on your program are representative in every way possible for your performance, considering areas such as culture and ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, and publication year. In the fall, accepted ensembles will be required to submit program repertoire for review by the DEIA committee of the board.
Style Guidelines
For all publication materials, social media postings, handouts or other conference-related work, please refer to the organization as the Illinois Music Education Association (Please note that it is Education and not Educators) or with our acronym, ILMEA (Please note the use of the L). The name of the conference is officially the 2027 Illinois Music Education Conference and you can also refer to it as IMEC 2027.
Linked below please find a Google Drive folder of graphics you can use in publications and promotion of your clinic. If you need anything different in terms of format or file size, please reach out to [email protected].
IMEC Registration for Ensemble Directors
Registration for IMEC 2027 is open! Primary directors of invited ensembles receive complimentary registration for IMEC 2027 and additional ensemble personnel receive 50% off of registration - all directors do need to register, even if registration is complimentary. Please be sure that you are a member of ILMEA - membership is a requirement of all IMEC clinicians and directors.
If you are coming from outside of Illinois, please email [email protected] with your state’s MEA name and your member number so we can unlock the clinician member rate for you.
When registering, you can use your unique promo code, which is your first initial+last name in all caps (ex: Jamie Smith would use the promo code JSMITH). If your performance has additional personnel, please be sure to share this information with them - we are sending this information only to the primary contact listed for your performance. Many of you will see this promo code already listed when you log in to the membership portal to register, but if you do not see it listed out don’t worry - you can still use your first initial + last name to take advantage of the discount.
Take advantage of pre-registration rates to make the most of your savings! Registration can be completed by visiting https://membership.ilmea.org/events/80.
Hotel Reservation Block (General)
Hotel Reservations for IMEC 2027 are now open! The Peoria Convention & Visitors Bureau is using an online portal to manage housing reservations. This will provide you with up-to-date and detailed information on availability, amenities, pricing and location for participating accommodations. Please click the button below to book through this block - this housing block is for clinicians, invited performing ensembles, exhibitors and general attendees (no group code needed to search and reserve).
A few downtown Peoria and East Peoria hotels are held for Conference Volunteers, Staff and All-State Participating Students/Chaperones, but will not be available for general reservations. This has been done to ease the burden of travel on the educator volunteers and their students. We appreciate your support of these policies and procedures! If you are an educator who may potentially have All-State Students, you may also wait to book within that block, but it will not open until early December.
If you have any questions or issues with your booking process, please email the Peoria Convention & Visitors Bureau at [email protected] or call 309-282-3291 for assistance.
Performer Buttons & Exhibit hall Passes
In early January, we will be mailing each performing ensemble and demo clinic group a package of materials for your time in Peoria. Please submit your request for these items no later than Wednesday, December 16, 2026 so that we can ship you the correct amount of items.
Student performer buttons will allow your students access to the session and the IMEC Exhibit Hall (within open hours). Please order the number of buttons that matches the number of students in your ensemble.
Each performing ensemble will receive 5 complimentary Exhibit Hall Passes for chaperones and support personnel of their group. Any additional parents and adults traveling with your ensemble wishing to go through the exhibit hall will need to purchase a $5 Exhibit Hall Pass.
When you place your order, please use the code FREESHIPS27 so that you do not have to pay any shipping to receive these materials.
Adult/professional performing group members will also receive the performing ensemble button for their time at the conference. This will allow them complimentary entry to the exhibit hall. If any members of an adult/professional performing group plans to receive Professional Development hours through clinic attendance, they will need to complete regular conference registration. Registration information can be found at membership.ilmea.org (members - remember to log in before registering to take advantage of member registration discounts!).