Hallie Herrmann
Staff Reporter

South’s Music Department sent students from Band, Orchestra, and Choir to audition for various performance sections (such as classical or vocal jazz) in the hopes of ranking a high enough score to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) district festival.

Illinois high schools are divided into nine districts based on their location in the state. GBS is in district seven.

Carl Meyer, South’s orchestra director, said, “Most of the finest music schools are in our district; […] many would agree [our district] is a powerhouse in the music department.”

Students who pass the audition process go to the District Seven Festival where they work with other music students in the district to put together a performance by the end of the day.

After the District Seven Festival, the top students from each performance section are selected to perform for a weekend with some of the best students in the state of Illinois.

Classical vocalist and first alto sax player junior Neil Carson feels that this is an opportunity to grow, not a time to be disappointed if fellow musicians are intimidatingly talented.

“It should not be looked at as a competition but as a chance to better yourself as a player,” Carson said.

Senior Katie Zarletti will perform in vocal jazz and classical chorus.

“For me, the most nerve-wracking part is the audition. You go in thinking you are ready. Then, you might not have what they want.”

Stevi Marks, one of South’s choral directors, considers acceptance into IMEA a great accomplishment.

She said, “It is an organization that strives to what I think are good values for students.”

Marks is instrumental in preparing students for the district and state festival and is a member of the board as director of vocal jazz.

Marks enjoys being on the board but says “seeing kids exhilarated by making music” is the most rewarding experience of all.