![Record Results for OPRF Music Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762464552/oprfhsorg/ymq4dltpyc8dfmp2f8t9/musicphoto.jpg","width":2200}])
Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Performing Arts program has reached another milestone, with 55 students selected to perform in the prestigious Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Festivals. This includes students across band, orchestra, choir, and jazz, with an extraordinary 71% of OPRF auditionees earning a coveted spot. Five students earned two performance spots apiece.
“This is one of the most competitive districts in the state,” said Band Director Anthony Svejda. “District 1 is a powerhouse, so to see this level of success speaks volumes about our students’ dedication and talent. Every jazz student who auditioned made it. That’s practically unheard of.”
Students will take the stage at two ILMEA festivals:
- Saturday, Nov. 8 at Elmhurst University: District 1 Band, Orchestra, and Choir Festival
- Saturday, Nov. 15 at Argo Community High School: District 1 Jazz Festival
Both events are open to the public, and tickets are available at ilmea.org.
The festivals are the culmination of a rigorous audition process and offer a space for students to collaborate with peers across the region. From there, top-ranked performers may be selected for the All-State Festival held in January.
“Our students aren’t just excelling in music, they’re growing as leaders and collaborators,” Svejda said. “Music teaches empathy, perseverance, humility, and joy. These kids bring that spirit into every corner of their lives.”
With the performing arts program continuing to grow, thanks in part to strong feeder programs and passionate staff, the excitement is also building around the future of arts facilities at OPRF. Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming festivals and witness firsthand the power of arts education in action.
“Numbers are climbing fast,” Svejda shared. “We had 400 middle school band students performing the other night, 147 just in sixth grade. If even a portion of those students continue into high school, we’re going to run out of space fast. But we’re not turning anyone away. These kids are passionate, they want to be here, and they’re bringing their friends. It’s a movement.”