This page lists the contests and festivals that the bands have attended and the results from them, as well as other notable events.

On May 8th, 2009, the 7th and 8th Grade Concert Band performed at the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival. The group auditioned for this festival by recording and submitting a CD of their performances. See the director's announcement 04/06/09.

The IGSMA Festival is a non-competitive event that allows groups participating to get feedback from judges. Both the 6th and 7th/8th grade Concert Bands, as well as Jazz Band 1 and 2 attended this event.

During Spring Break 2009, the Concert Bands and Jazz Band 1 traveled to Walt Disney World, participating in Festival Disney, Disney Magic Music Days, and You're Instrumental.

All of the groups earned Superior or Excellent ratings for their performances during the week. The 7th and 8th Grade Concert Band earned the top award in the Concert Band Division by winning the "Best in Class Award." Jazz Band 1 earned the top award in the Jazz Division by winning the "Jazz Ensemble Gold Award." Edison also had two Jazz Band 1 members recognized as Outstanding Soloists in the Jazz Division. These special awards went to Kristen Campbell for her plunger trumpet solo and Emma Cocatre-Zilgien for her clarinet solo, both on Duke Ellington's Across the Track Blues.

Congratulations again to all the students for their continued hard work and dedication; and thank you to all chaperones, parents, volunteers, teachers, and administrators for your support!

The Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Solo and Ensemble Contest was held on Saturday, February 21st, 2009 at Parskide JHS in Normal, Illinois. The Edison band students performed well, and three were selected for Best of Day in trombone, trumpet, and clarinet (see Best of Day Results). This contest is optional but encouraged for all students.

See the following information regarding the 2009 IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest:
  - Mr. Lehman's Letter to the Parents 1/12/09
  - Contest Rules
  - Information on Piano Accompanists

Jazz Band 1 and 2 performed at the 50th Annual Eastern Illinois Jazz Festival 2009 and took first and third place, respectively, in their venue. Several Outstanding Soloist awards were also given to members of the bands. The kids had an opportunity to experience some great music (including Bob Mintzer and the Yellowjackets), and did a great job representing the Edison bands and school.

Jazz Band 1 performed at the Purdue University Jazz Festival 2009, and took the Honor Band award for their venue. Awards for each venue consist of Honor Band, Outstanding Performance, and Judges' Award, with the Honor Band being the highest award. Several members of the band were given Outstanding Soloist awards, as well. Congratulations to all!

The Midwest Clinic is an international, week-long convention in Chicago that attracts tens of thousands of visitors. This is the most prestigious, exclusive, and high profile performance in the music education world.

For more information on the Midwest Clinic, see Mr. Lehman's letter regarding this.

Jazz 1 performed during the 8:00 hour Morning Show on WCFN. There were three 5-minute segments, which are currently accessible from the WCFN Friday Jam page.

» See Results
The IMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) District 3 has auditions each year for participation in the IMEA District bands. Each year, there are students who audition in the Band category, the Jazz category or both. The talent of the students again showed with the number of students that were placed in either the District Band, the District Jazz Band (or both!). Congratulations to all the students who auditioned.
Jazz Festival: Information