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The University of Illinois School of Music is proud to recognize our faculty, staff, and students who presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference in Peoria, Illinois this January. A special congratulations to Prof. Barry Houser for being named Band Division President Elect of the Illinois Music Education Association. An additional congratulations as well to Dr. Andrea Solya for conducting the All-State Chorus.
The Illinois Music Education Conference is the premier professional development event for Illinois music educators. The annual conference held in Peoria, Illinois brings together educators from every area and age level of music education. The conference features over 150 clinics and concerts over three days, and it ran from January 28-31, 2026.
Faculty presenters:
Josh Graham: Beyond “Yellow After the Rain:” New Four Mallet Literature for the High Schooler
Rebecca MacLeod: Developing a Beautiful Bow Arm
Nicki Roman: From Honk to Harmony: Guiding Saxophonists Toward Ensemble Excellence
Rebecca MacLeod: Setting Beginning Students Up for Success: A Pedagogical Model for Beginning Strings
Lara Brooks: Utilizing the Estill Voice Method for Healthy Vocal Jazz Pedagogy
Kimberly Fleming: Maximizing Every Minute: Transforming Score Study into an Active, Music-Making Experience
Faculty & Student group presenters:
Adam Kruse, Nekaybaw Blunt, Eric Brown, Dylan Marcum, Jess Mullen, & Pete Shungu: Punch In, Prewrite, and Freestyle: Songwriting Approaches from Hip Hop Perspectives
Ensembles:
University of Illinois Saxophone Ensemble: Nicki Roman, Director
Student presenters:
April Whyte: Success with the Small Things: How to Start and Maintain Beginning Strings
Honorees:
Barry Houser: ILMEA President-Elect, Band Division
Andrea Solya: Conductor, Senior All-State Chorus Concert
Public Events:
IMEC University of Illinois Booth
Illinois Music Education Conference Alumni Reception, Marquette Salon B, Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
