Sycamore High School Takes 2nd Place in IHSA Music Sweepstakes in Class A

The Sycamore High School Music Department recently placed second in the 2024 IHSA Music Sweepstakes competition in Class A. These results were calculated from the results of the IHSA Solo/Ensemble festival on March 2 and the IHSA Organizational Festival on April 12 (for bands, choirs, and orchestras). A large number of highly rated student solos and ensembles, coupled with four "superior" scores (two vocal and two instrumental large ensemble scores) at the Organizational festival, led to Sycamore’s second place finish. The Sycamore Orchestra program placed first in Class A for their Solo/Ensemble results. 

 It is the Sycamore Music Department’s fifth straight Top 3 finish, and their ninth overall. Sycamore was also the Class A runner-up in 2014, 2019, 2021, and won their first state championship in 2023.

“We scored our highest-ever total of Solo/Ensemble points this year, even more than we did last year when we won the state title. We had more students participating successfully in more small groups and solos than any previous year, so the students really came through.,” Sycamore Music Department Chair Scott Mertens stated. “They also performed very well for the Organizational Festival, and we appreciate all the time they have spent in preparation for these events.”

 “The solos and small ensembles are very much student-directed, and the large groups rely on student focus, teamwork, and dedication to flourish,” Mertens said. “One of the best things about this high finish is that it focuses attention on the amazing students we work with. We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved, both this year and in the past. They are conscientious, focused, and task-oriented, and they are tremendous representatives for our city and our school.”