METAMORA  - The Mid-Illini conference will be well-represented at this year’s state conference of the Illinois Music Educators Association.  Three of the eight conference band programs have been selected, from nearly 300 member high schools, to perform.  This is the first time in conference history for this number of Mid-Illini bands to be honored together at the state level.
The Metamora Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Christopher Render

will be the first band to perform on Thursday, January 26th at 3:00 P.M.  Ron Carter, director of jazz studies at Northern Illinois University and long-time supporter of the Metamora jazz program will be the guest soloist.
That evening on January 26th, director of bands, Jeff Neavor will lead the Morton High School Symphonic Winds when the ensemble performs in the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7:15 P.M.  Of special note, the Symphonic Winds will premier a new composition by Morton based composer, Craig Fitzpatrick and will share the stage with the Millikin University Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Neavor’s alma mater) along with Mr. Neavor’s former classmate and trombone soloist, Bradley Palmer.
Todd Kelly, professor of trumpet and jazz studies at Bradley University will be the featured soloist with the Limestone High School Jazz Ensemble.  The ensemble, led by Andy Empey, will perform on Friday, January 27th at 11:45 a.m.
Finally, on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., the Metamora Wind Ensemble will present a clinic with NIU professor of percussion, Dr. Greg Beyer.  The clinic, titled “Bands, Bows, Brazil: Bring Brazilian Music to the Bandroom” will highlight a composition written by Dr. Beyer for berimbau and wind ensemble.
All events take place at the Peoria Civic Center.  For more info contact the individual schools and their directors.

Source: Dr. Wally Parks, Director of Bands/Instrumental Music, Metamora Township High School