The Performing Arts Department at Homewood-Flossmoor High School has announced that seven music students have been selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association’s All-State Music Conference Jan. 29 through Feb. 1 in Peoria. In addition, the Viking Jazz Ensemble applied and was accepted to perform at the IMEA Educators Conference on Jan 31. Â
The students are among the highest-achieving music students in the state selected after several rounds of auditions. The Illinois Music Education Association divides the state into nine districts. H-F students will represent District 1, which includes nearly all of Chicago, plus south and southwest suburbs.
H-F performers with the All-State Honors Chorus will be Elhanan Jenkins, bass 2; Wesley Schmidt, bass 2; Casey Siengo, alto 2; Marcus McGhee, tenor 1.
Benjamin Labno won first place in state for music composition. His specialty is arranging.
Kai Brown won a state honorable mention in music composition with a specialty as a singer-songwriter.
Annie Ford was named to the all-state Future Music Educators seminar. The Future Music Educator program was created specifically for students who are considering a career in music education. Ford is in the Viking Choir and H-F Band programs.
For the Jazz Ensemble’s performance, H-F teacher and director Sarah Whitlock said the players are partnering with Christopher McBride, Grammy Award winning saxophonist and H-F alumnus.
The Jazz Ensemble will give a preview concert for the public at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at H-F.