District 64 proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its Emerson and Lincoln Middle School musicians who have been selected to perform in the 2025 Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) District 7 Festival.
This year’s audition process was more rigorous than ever, with record participation and increasingly selective criteria. District 7—the largest and most competitive ILMEA district in the entire state—draws over 1,000 of the strongest band, chorus, and orchestra students to audition from more than 50 junior high schools across the North Suburban area. The fact that our students earned spots in these elite ensembles is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and musical excellence.
“Being selected for ILMEA is an incredible honor,” said Erica Faulhaber, Curriculum Specialist for Instrumental Music. “The audition process continues to grow more demanding each year, and competition within District 7 is intense. Performing alongside top student musicians from across the region and learning from highly respected guest conductors is a transformative experience for our students. We are so proud of their hard work and achievement.”
The ILMEA District 7 Festival showcases the finest young musicians in northern Illinois. The Band Choir and Orchestra Festival will take place on Saturday, November 1, at Schaumburg High School, and the Jazz Festival will be held on Saturday, November 15, at Libertyville High School.
District 64 Students Selected for ILMEA Festival Ensembles:
- Tommy Balducci, chorus
- Clarice Beseda, chorus
- Jonathan Diaz, jazz trombone
- Ella Douglass, flute
- Ellie Hughes, chorus
- Luciya Janardhan, trumpet
- Evan Mason, chorus
- Lexi McCarty, flute
- Olivia Moise, chorus
- Zofia Nawrocki, cello
- Evelyn Ortiz, chorus
- Martina Rivera, chorus
- Wyatt Rubin, chorus
- Gabriel Seol, violin
- Charlie Trittipo, chorus
In addition to Faulhaber, District 64 music teachers who instruct these talented students include: Eric Bachmann, Elisabeth Ballinger, Natalie Briggs, Max Hellermann, Ilona Hutter, Alyssa LaTragna, Sean Rybak, Alex Teater, and Connor Yoon.
About ILMEA:
The Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) is a leading fine arts education organization in the U.S., providing students with valuable performance opportunities through district and state festivals that promote musical growth and excellence.