School Participation FAQ

What student programs does ILMEA offer?

ILMEA currently offers a district festival experience for Elementary through Senior High students in Illinois. This includes general music events, band, chorus, jazz and orchestra ensembles.

The ILMEA Composition Contest is open to students in grades 6-12. All students entering the contest receive feedback on their musical work and high school students who are honored with 1st, 2nd or 3rd place can participate in the All-State Composition Track.

The Future Music Educators Seminar (FMES) is a program to encourage high school students who are interested in music education as a career gain more practical understanding of the profession. (ILMEA Policy Manual, Participating School Policies - III.b and IV.a)

How do we get involved?

Student programs are organized around nine geographic districts. Schools within these districts become ILMEA Participating Schools, which allows the music educators at the schools to nominate students for ILMEA programs.

Educators and schools interested in participating should visit Participation Page to find out how to become an ILMEA participating school.

What level should I use to nominate - elementary, junior or senior?

Elementary levels include K-5th or 6th grade students.*
Junior Levels include 6th-8th or 9th grade students.*
Senior Levels include 9th-12th grade students.

*Please check with your ILMEA district to verify what grades are included for Elementary and Junior Level programs.

What are the Participating School Fees and Deadlines?

Schools must pay the Participating School Fee by the deadline, before being allowed to nominate students for participation or auditions. Fees are $50 for junior and senior level schools or $40 for elementary level schools. Schools need only pay for one fee per building for the oldest participating level. If a school is K-8 and participates in both elementary and junior level programs, then they need to pay $50, but that unlocks both levels. If a school is 6-12 and participates at all three levels, the $50 will unlock all three levels of participation. Visit the Participation Page for more information and to get started!