"I just wanted to take a moment and thank IGSMA and all of YOU for making this possible for our students.  As we know, it is so difficult to make this year feel "normal" and by allowing us the opportunity to do these solos virtually and allowing our kids to step up so early in the year to prepare a solo only helps them get better in so many ways (not just musically) and bring some slice of normalcy into our lives.  This is one of many reasons why I am so proud and honored to be a member of IGSMA - your commitment to students and music education is very inspiring!  Thank you again for your tireless work and efforts to help not just my students but hundreds, if not thousands, more!  

Truly grateful!!!!" - Rich Lehman - Clarendon Hills Middle School - Band Director

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"I just want to say THANK YOU for heading this up. I am sure it was a great deal of additional work- on top of the craziness of teaching music during Covid-19.  Solo Contest this year probably was as much for me as it was for the students. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with students one on one and feeling at least a little normal. Thank you.  Your extra work is so greatly appreciated." - Susan Russell Calvary Academy, South Holland

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"To the members of the District 45 school board,

We were fortunate to attend last Saturday’s Illinois Grade School Music Association State Band Festival competition at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL, in which the Jackson Symphonic Band participated. Mr. Joe Koppel’s students performed at an extremely high caliber. Their musical abilities as well as their courteous and professional behaviors made us quite proud both as District 45 residents and also as grandparents of four children currently enrolled in District 45 schools.

It is well known that music education assists in the development of math and reading skills and allows students the experience of working in a well-disciplined group. The collaboration, social skills, and team-building they learn in the music program are all part of what make District 45 students do well in life. We want to acknowledge the extra effort that Mr. Koppel put forth in taking his band students to this elite competition and again thank the board for continuing to provide fine arts experiences such as this for the children in our community. Sincerely, - Robert & Doreen Fritz District 45 Grandparents

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