2026.02.27 The Muse

In January, IAC Program Director Jerome Grand presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference at the Peoria Civic Center. The annual event draws more than 12,000 attendees statewide-educators, students, parents, administrators, ensembles, speakers, and vendors-and features hundreds of professional development sessions, dozens of student performances across genres, a vendor hall, all-state competitions, awards and recognitions, concerts, a gala, and more.

Musician, Educator, and President & CEO of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) John T. Mlynczak offered a powerful and insightful keynote on the role of music education in our lives and careers.

The IAC congratulates the winners of this year's awards:

Early Service Educator Award

Emma Wierenga, El Paso Gridley CUSD #11

Outstanding Administrator Award

Brigid Tileston, Barrington High School

Distinguished Service Award

Laura Johnson, Glenbard North High School

Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence:

Peggy Sue Casey, Maercker Int. School

Rachel Maxwell, Traughber Jr. High School

Brian Wand, Benet Academy

ILMHS Outstanding Service Award

Fenton High School

Patrick Barnett Outstanding ILMHS Chapter Award

Dekalb High School

Presidential Award

Michael Pressler, Maine Twp. High School District 207