There will be two outstanding opportunities for you to learn about current music education research at the 2026 Illinois Music Education Conference. On Friday, January 30 from 12:00pm-1:00pm, stop by the Exhibit Hall for the 2026 IMEC Poster Session. Take a look at the preview of the research that will be shared and then plan to stop by and speak with the researchers to learn more.

With yet another record-breaking year of entries, we are excited to announce the 2025-2026 ILMEA Composition Contest honorees ! Congratulations to all students who submitted original compositions, arrangements and remixes - the adjudicators each year comment on the outstanding quality of musical works being written by Illinois music students.

ILMEA is excited for the inaugural Junior High All-State Band and Orchestra in January 2026 and the return of the Junior High All-State Chorus! As with any new program, we know that educators, administrators and parents will have many questions. This FAQ will help to address these questions so that everyone is as prepared as possible for this outstanding experience.

The exciting addition of Junior High All-State in Peoria this January brings about some schedule changes for our All-State student programs at all levels. 

Please take some time to review the ensemble schedules - we know that until All-State results are released in early December, you won’t be able to make concrete plans for your time in Peoria, but we need to bring your attention to these changes sooner rather than later!