Once again, the GHS music department sent several students to the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) District 8 honor ensembles. Students auditioned for this honor in October, and seven GHS students were selected. The festival was held on November 19.

Choir students had to prepare scales and songs for the audition, however they did not know which parts they would have to sing until they arrived at the audition. Meghan Flynn, Christian Gronewold, and Evan Soat  participated in the District 8 Senior Chorus. Lily Dickerson  participated in the District 8 Junior Mixed Chorus. Choir students are not given a ranking the day of the festival.

Instrumentalists had to prepare etudes and a scale sheet for the audition, and they had a sight reading portion of the audition. Keo Ashford and Isabelle Anderson were selected for the District 8 Senior Band. Ashford was sixth chair in the tuba section, and Anderson was ninth chair in the french horn section. Stephanie Hyde was selected for the District 2/8 Orchestra. Hyde sat first chair bassoon in the orchestra.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors have the opportunity to advance to the All-State level based on their performance at the festival in addition to their auditions. In the past, only juniors and seniors could qualify for All-State, so the competition is tougher than ever. These selections will be released on December 1, 2016.