Sycamore High School Music Department Shines at 2025 IHSA Solo & Ensemble State Competition

Sycamore, IL — The Sycamore High School Music Department delivered a record-breaking performance at the 2025 IHSA Solo & Ensemble State Competition on Saturday, March 8, at Harvard High School. Students from the choir, orchestra, and band programs proudly represented Sycamore, achieving the highest point total in school history and earning top honors across multiple categories.
The choir program celebrated a historic milestone with its first-ever Top 3 finish, placing 3rd in Class A. Their outstanding performances contributed to a new record for the highest point total ever earned by Sycamore High School in the history of the competition.

The orchestra program continued its legacy of excellence, claiming 1st Place in Class A for the fifth consecutive year. In a clean sweep of all three orchestra rooms, several performances were awarded the prestigious Best of Day recognition, including:

• Noah Bradic – Percussion
• Lizzie McConkie – Oboe
• Teagan Hagemeyer – Viola
• Delaney Baylor & Alistair Lanting – Cello Duet
• Marlie Colness & Evan Tonaki – Violin/Cello Duet

In the IHSA Sweepstakes standings, Sycamore High School currently holds 3rd place overall, bolstered by its exceptional showing across all music disciplines and marking the highest cumulative point total in school history. SHS Principal Brian Swanson applauded these achievements for showcasing a vibrant and thriving music culture in Sycamore.

"I am truly honored and humbled by the remarkable achievements of our Sycamore High School Music Department at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble State Competition," Swanson said. "It is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students and the exceptional guidance of our music faculty."

Congratulations to all of our SHS musicians!

UPDATE: Since the publishing of this story, the IHSA Sweepstakes scores have been finalized. Sycamore finished 2nd place overall, moving up one place from its original 3rd place standing.