CMS Musicians Make History

Two band students at Central Middle School in Tinley Park made history as the first to represent the school at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Junior High All-State Band and Junior High All-State Orchestra.

Mercy Adegunle and Teanna Nash-Jackson were accepted to join the group in its inaugural year as part of the All-State Student Programs. They were two of the 150 students selected out of 10,000 students from across the state who auditioned. The two were recognized by the Board of Education at its February meeting.

“These are just two of the incredibly talented students in the District 146 band program,” said Assistant Band Director Sarah Barnes. “Being chosen for the Junior State Band program is a huge honor and we are so proud to be able to recognize them.”

In the fall, members of the CMS Band and Choir joined 7,000 Illinois students as part of the (ILMEA) District Music Festivals. They were chosen out of more than 23,000 students who all auditioned for a place with the one of the groups.

Representing District 146 were band students: Mercy Adegunle, Fallon Bergthold, Logan Brticevich, Luka Brticevich, Oliver Couch, Teanna Nash-Jackson, Anna Bella Orona, and Emma Sage. Representing the choir was Vivienne Lewkow. These students were recognized by the District 146 Board of Education in December.

“These students went above and beyond to take on the commitment to audition for a position among students from all across the Chicagoland area,” said Katie Dexter, CMS Choir Director. “In addition to learning new music and new skills, they had to take time to record an audition video to submit to the judges. We are so proud of their accomplishments.”

Community Consolidated School District 146 is comprised of Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.