From January 29th to February 1st, the 2014-2015 Illinois Music Education Association [ILMEA] All-State conference took place. This event brought together many of the most musically talented individuals from across the state of Illinois. The top performers of each respective instrument in Band and Orchestra, as well the top vocalists in the area, united over the weekend to further their music skills and knowledge, while also coming together to perform a farewell concert. Some of Metea’s representatives at the event included French Horn player, Karthik Achar and Violinist, Heidi Hsiao.

Beginning on the topic of how they qualified for the event, “It begins with us auditioning for the event at the district level. After that they select the best musicians from each region to come to the event. Once we are at the event, we then audition again in order to see how we will be ranked amongst the All-State musicians. I was placed in the 5th chair for Violinists,” Hsiao said.

 “The audition process is pretty strenuous and we spend the beginning portion of our time at All-State auditioning and figuring out where we will be placed for the upcoming concert. I was placed in the 4th chair for the Honors Band,” Achar said. When asked about how the week went “It was a good experience for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Looking back on it, it was very helpful for me and allowed me to interact with other musicians who I didn’t know very well. I always try to take something away from these events and this time what I feel that I’ve taken away is the reminder that all people need to stay humble and keep striving for better.

Even if you are the best musician at your school or in your area, there are always people more advanced than you who you can learn from and these opportunities show you these people and remind you to keep working hard and striving for more,” Achar said. After the event had finished, Hsaio replied to the question of “What have you taken away from this event?” by saying that “I’ve taken away the reminder of why I love music. The joy that I experienced was immense and playing with a new group of people, making new friends and honing my skills is what keeps me moving forward.”

By Jake Gallucci