A stage awaits several student musicians after being accepted into the competitive music program, the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA).

Students auditioned for ILMEA on Oct. 4.

Senior Emily Roldan, juniors Danny Weber and Sara Richert, sophomores Ben Hueber and Gavin OKeefe represent West Chicago for choir. Senior Jenny Manspeaker and junior Sean Renwick represents ILMEA in band, both play clarinet.

West Chicago High School is in the ninth district. According to band director Steven Govertsen, the ninth district is one of the most competitive in Illinois.

“We had a bunch of really qualified, hard-working students audition.  The competition within our ILMEA district is really tough. The fact that these two students made it says a lot about their musicianship and work ethic,” Govertsen said.

Some students who made ILMEA last year were accepted again.

“It’s really awesome to be selected for ILMEA again. Last year, after the concert, I made it my goal to practice and improve over the year so that I could be selected again. I’m really proud that I was able to attain my goal and am incredibly excited to start preparing the music for the concert,” Manspeaker said.

According to Renwick, Manspeaker was his motivation for making ILMEA.

“I auditioned because I wanted to challenge myself, and Jenny was convinced that I should and could do it,” Renwick said.

OKeefe was suprised when he found out he made ILMEA.

“My choir teacher, Mr. Fantozzi, pulled all of us who made it aside and we thought we were in trouble, it never even crossed my mind that the ILMEA results were in. When he told me, I didn’t believe him because of how tough the competition was. Finally, I accepted it and was very proud of everyone who had put in hard work and made it,” OKeefe said.

Students who made ILMEA will participate in a concert Nov. 19 at Lake Park High School.

“My favorite memory from last year would probably be the concert. It was amazing to hear all of the music come together after working on it before that day and then with the guest director that day. Everyone that was there really wanted to be there, so rehearsal ran smoothly and you could hear that in our performance. I remember being overjoyed that I was able to participate, and inspired by the others that were there as well,” Manspeaker said.

Having the opportunity to audition drove the students to practice over the summer.

“There was many times that chamber choir met over the summer to get a head start on the songs. Danny Weber was very helpful and led many of the rehearsals and really helped me get my part down early on,” OKeefe said.

Renwick is looking forward to performing with other musicians outside of the school.

“It feels absolutely amazing to make ILMEA. There were so many talented people at the auditions, and I’m honored to be able to play with them. I’m looking forward to playing with and meeting a bunch of people from all over who are part of other band programs,” Renwick said.