Illinois Music Education Association

This year, ILMEA established a partnership with Mercury LLC, a bipartisan public strategy and government relations firm. In working with their Springfield office, ILMEA was able to be an active and informed participant in the legislative work of the 104th general assembly. Please read below for a detailed review of the work done over the past year, information about the FY27 State Budget and how it impacts arts education, and plans for next steps over the summer and in the next legislative session.

ILMEA Session Review of the 104th Illinois General Assembly — Illinois Music Education Association ILMEA has established a partnership with Mercury LLC, a bipartisan public strategy and government relations firm. In working with their Springfield office, ILMEA was able to be an active and informed participant in the legislative work of the 104th general assembly. Read about the advocacy work done

🎶🌟 Illinois Music Honor Society Chapter Spotlight (and 2026 ILMHS Outstanding Service Award Winner!): Fenton High School 🌟🎶

Established in 2013, the Fenton High School ILMHS chapter is 15 members strong, dedicated to making a difference through music! One of the many incredible initiatives this chapter takes part in is each year, their chapter comes together to brainstorm meaningful ways to spotlight Music in Our Schools Month. They design interactive displays that encourage the entire school community to reflect on the impact music has in their lives. In the past, we have created collaborative playlists to share throughout the school, visual displays featuring personal quotes about the power of music, and permanent banners that can be displayed for years to come. They truly look forward to celebrating, listening to, and highlighting the many ways music positively influences everyone in our school community.

"Being in ILMHS has shown me that music is not just about the notes on a page, it's about the community we build and the way we support each other. My experience in chapter 6807 has enhanced my time at school by providing a safe, welcoming environment where I could truly be myself, giving me the confidence to lead not only our chapter, but also other sports and extracurriculars as well. Musically, it has pushed me to hold myself to higher expectations, allowing me to go above and beyond in my practices and bring that into a collaborative environment that inspires others. ILMHS has encouraged not only my musical growth in the music department and during rehearsals, but also my personal leadership in classrooms and my schoolwork, as well as my sports and extracurricular activities" – Garrett (Junior, Current Chapter Secretary)

Keep up the amazing work, Fenton High School! Your dedication to music and service is inspiring. 🎶💙

🎶🌟 Illinois Music Honor Society Chapter Spotlight: Midwest Academy For Gifted Education 🌟🎶

Established in 2025, the Midwest Academy For Gifted Education ILMHS chapter is 7 members strong, dedicated to making a difference through music! One of the many incredible initiatives this chapter takes part in is that they do an inauguration to celebrate all 7 Members, where they are featured in the Winter and Spring Music Concert in Strings and Band Ensembles.🎶✨

"I enjoy being with a community of student musicians. I was invited to the ILMEA All-State Orchestra this year, and it was an impactful experience. I learned how to work well with outstanding musicians. Although I struggle with a chronic tendon injury, playing viola has brought joy to my life, as it allows me to express myself in ways that I couldn’t without music. Being a part of ILMHS helps me be more deeply connected to music, and I am grateful for this opportunity." – Elliot, Grade 11

Congratulations on starting up your ILMHS Chapter, and keep up the amazing work, Midwest Academy For Gifted Education! Your dedication to music and service is inspiring. 💙

🎶🌟 Illinois Music Honor Society Chapter Spotlight: Coal City Unit District Chapter 🌟🎶

Established in 2022, the Coal City ILMHS chapter is 22 members strong, dedicated to making a difference through music! Their membership includes middle school through high school students. Some of the many incredible initiatives this chapter takes part in is their “Concert Passport program” which encourages students to attend other performances in their district. Their main fundraiser is selling goodie bags at concerts and they toured their schools in December to sing and play holiday music. Each year, seniors also perform during their annual induction ceremony where this year they will be inducting 13 new members.

"MHS has taught me leadership and the value of music, not only to musicians, but to my community as a whole." – Rhaina, Senior, ILMHS Treasurer

"What I like most about MHS is that it's not just a group of band and choir members, but a community of leaders trying to share their passion for music with the rest of society." – Middle School ILMHS Member

Keep up the amazing work, Coal City! Your dedication to music and service is inspiring. 🎶💙

🎶🌟 Illinois Music Honor Society Chapter Spotlight: Rolling Meadows High School 🌟🎶

Established in 2019, the Rolling Meadows ILMHS chapter is 32 members strong, dedicated to making a difference through music! One of the many incredible initiatives this chapter takes part in is their “Open Mic Night.” Which they run in conjunction with their drama honor society.

"My ILMHS membership has had an amazing impact on my experience in music and high school. As a percussionist, who has a separate class than the band, I often feel disconnected from the non-percussionists in the music program. Being in ILMHS has allowed me to connect more to the band, and even orchestra and choir. Additionally, through ILMHS I have been able to serve my community and experience events I don’t usually attend like guitar and choir concerts. ILMHS has also allowed me to learn about amazing opportunities like FMES, which I would never have known about if it weren’t for students I met through ILMHS" – Clare, Senior

Keep up the amazing work, Rolling Meadows! Your dedication to music and building community is inspiring. 🎶💙

🎶🌟 Illinois Music Honor Society Chapter Spotlight: Martino Junior High School🌟🎶

Established in 2022, the Martino Junior High School ILMHS chapter is 18 members strong, dedicated to making a difference through music! Some of the many incredible initiatives this chapter takes part in is running a fall concert food drive and end-of-the year ice cream social for the whole music department 🎶✨

"Being a part of the music program is a great learning experience, plus it helps you make new friends. You get to go on field trips and perform at concerts and in competitions. I encourage everyone to join Illinois Music Honors Society because it gives you the opportunity to work together with other students who share your interests and you can make a difference in your school and community.” - Grace, 7th Grade Orchestra and Chorus

Keep up the amazing work, Martino Junior High School! Your dedication to music and service is inspiring. 💙 NLSD 122

As this school year approaches it's conclusion, join us in the next two weeks as we shine a spotlight on Illinois Music Honors Society chapters from across the state! They've been growing as musicians and bringing great service projects to their schools and communities - help us celebrate these schools and students and the great year they've had! (And maybe get a few ideas for your own chapter's activities next year!)

Click below to learn more about ILMHS for Junior High and Senior High students.

ILMEA High School & Collegiate Chapters — Illinois Music Education Association Leadership and service in music education - learn about what a high school or collegiate chapter can provide for your school and students!