For the 2025-26 school year, 12 students have been selected to represent Libertyville High School at the state level in various Fine Arts activities. From the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival to the 2026 Illinois Music Education Conference, this selection is a testament to the strength of the programs at this high school.
All-State Theater
From Jan. 8 to Jan. 10, the 2026 Illinois High School Theater Festival staged a performance of Disney’s “Newsies,” under the direction of Ms. Anna McSweeney from Addison Trail High School and Mr. Alex Holod from District 88.
On stage, LHS was represented by junior Michael Bowman (Ensemble) and sophomore Nate Wagner (Oscar Delancy).
“All-State was a very special experience for me,” Bowman said. “Getting to work with people who share the same passions and goals was motivating, and performing on stage in front of schools from across the state was truly magical.”
Backstage, senior Matthew Brown was selected to help with the crew and create sets and props for the show. At LHS, he was involved in productions like “Les Misérables” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Clarinet player junior Akshay Jaladi and senior trombone player Andrew Schinler represented in the pit. Both musicians are currently in top ensembles such as the Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble at LHS, participating in music-related endeavors.
After a rigorous audition process, all five selectees were responsible for weekend rehearsals monthly from July to December. During this time, they perfected their craft, whether it be singing, focusing on design or learning their music.
“Getting to perform on stage in front of schools from across the state was a really magical experience,” Bowman said.
Illinois Music Educators Conference (IMEC)
Similarly, there were eight selectees for IMEC across different departments.
“We’ve had students going down to Peoria for decades,” Mr. Helvie said. “The ILMEA conference is kind of our state conference—it’s where musicians from around Illinois come together to rehearse, perform and learn.”
In the Senior Honors Band conducted by Col. Jason Fettig, LHS is represented by euphonium players seniors Joey Kim and Annabelle Gohr, as well as junior Braden Weaver on the bass trombone.
“I’m looking to meet a lot of new trombonists who are super, and Colonel Fettig, who was the former conductor of the Marine Band,” Weaver said.
Likewise, three members of the LHS band represented the school in the Senior Orchestra Honors, conducted by Dr. Allan Dennis, from the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. Selectees included senior trombonist Andrew Schinler, senior hornist Kai Chamannikit and freshman tubist Max Gradener. Both Gradener and Schinler were first-chair players, recognizing them as top performers in the state.
“I love band because that’s where I’ve met a lot of my closest friends, and I don’t know what I would have done without them,” Gardener said. “It’s a cherishing moment to do all the things with them.”
Another performance selection includes senior Eva Thomas in the LHS choir program. A soprano voice in the ILMEA All-State Choir, Thomas was excited for her weekend in Peoria.
“I’m excited because we’re singing one of my favorite beautiful pieces,” Thomas said.
Directed by Ms. Andrea Solya, the choir director at the University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Thomas expects this performance to be outstanding.
Furthermore, for the first time in six years, a member of the LHS bands has been selected to participate in the annual IMEC: The ILMEA All-State Future Music Educators Seminar. Senior Caroline Guiard, an aspiring Music Educator, will gain an in-depth exposure to the profession.
“I’m not entirely sure of what the program will entail, but I know I’m going to meet and connect with a lot of people,” Guiard said.
Additionally, LHS’s Wind Ensemble was selected as one of the two Illinois High School bands to perform on Thursday, Jan. 29, in Peoria. This remains a testament not only to the individuals involved in the program but also to the band and its directors.
“The concerts in Peoria are something students look forward to—being selected means you’re recognized as one of the best in the state,” Mr. Dustin Helvie, the Fine Arts Department Head, said.
From the stage to the pit and behind the scenes, each student worked hard, learned from experts and represented LHS at the state level with talent and dedication.
“[Our various selections] speak volumes about what we’re doing for music education,” Helvie said. “While directors help facilitate auditions, the success ultimately comes from the students—their hard work, dedication and collaboration with private teachers.”
These students are proof that when preparation meets passion, great things happen, and they’re setting the bar high for everyone who follows.
