The West Prairie Press

By Madilynn Tones

Timmy Todd, a junior at West Prairie Jr/Sr High School, auditioned for the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Choir in October. As part of the audition process, Todd prepared five choral selections assigned at the start of the school year and submitted recordings for evaluation.

After auditions, the highest-scoring singers from each school performed in District Chorus. Top scorers from each district advanced to All-State, and the highest-ranking singers were selected for the Honors Chorus. Todd learned Dec. 3 (coincidentally his birthday) that he had been chosen for the All-State Honors Chorus.

Throughout the year, Todd prepared the five pieces that would be performed at district:

• Sit Down, Servant — arranged by Marques L. A. Garrett (SATB)
• Sehnsucht (Op. 112, No. 1) — arranged by Johannes Brahms (SATB)
• Kasar mie la gaji — arranged by Alberto Grau (SATB)
• Arrow — arranged by Jocelyn Hagen (TTBB)
• Gimikwenden Ina — by Corey Payette, arranged by Elliot Vaughan (SATB)

The ILMEA All-State Honors Chorus took place Jan. 29–31, 2026, in Peoria. More than 2,100 students from over 215 schools across the state participated in All-State Choir, Band, Orchestra, Jazz and Vocal Jazz ensembles. The first rehearsal began at First United Methodist Church at 9 a.m., with singers spending the first two and a half days in intensive rehearsals leading up to the final performance.

Beyond the musical achievement, Todd said the event helped him build meaningful friendships with students from across the state.

“I have sat with Peyton at every district choir for the past three years, and this year was his senior year, so it was our last time performing together,” Todd said. “Almost all my friends are seniors, so it was kind of a bittersweet feeling.”

One featured work, “Arrow,” based on a poem by Ruth Whitman, connected deeply with Todd. During rehearsals, students wrote anonymous reflections about the music on sticky notes. Todd said he was standing on the risers during the concert when he realized his response was being read aloud to the audience.

“I felt really proud when I realized it was mine,” he said.

Todd said the experience reinforced his passion for music and exposed him to a broader community of dedicated performers.

“Honestly, the biggest thing I got out of it was the people and the experience,” Todd said. “Coming from such a small school with such a small music program, it is unreal to perform with so many people who put in just as much effort as you do and care so much about what they’re doing.”

Choir director Fentem praised Todd’s dedication and growth.

“To say I feel proud would be an understatement,” Fentem said. “When Tim made it to All-State last year, I was excited for him. Seeing his hard work pay off and having him selected to the top chorus was another goal met. What stands out most is his passion for music. It’s more than notes on a page; it’s about sharing emotion. I’m excited to see what next year brings for him.”