Waukegan High School’s music program has once again finished its competition season ranked as one of the top programs in Illinois. Students in the band, choir and orchestra combined for a 3rd place finish among all Illinois High School Association Class AA schools.

Music programs are ranked annually based on individual and group performances at competitions. Student musicians are rated individually based on their performances at Solo/Ensemble Contests.  Each music group is also rated as part of Organizational Contests. Points earned from both competitions are then added up to give a final ranking. 

With 801 points scored in the Solo/Ensemble and Organizational contests, the music students at WHS were the highest ranked among all Lake County Schools. Final results were announced by the IHSA last week. 

Collectively, the band (4th place), orchestra (6th place) and choir (8th place) each finished in the top 10 in the solo/ensemble contest in their respective category. 

During the solo/ensemble contest, a total of 68 WHS performances earned a Division I rating – the highest rating possible --  either as a soloist or in a small ensemble. Two Waukegan High School music students earned “Best of Day” designation during the Illinois High School Association Solo/Ensemble contest earlier this spring. Patrick Montalvo - Violin Solo, and Dalhel Espinosa- Vocal Solo.

In the Organizational Contest 8 WHS groups received a Division 1, or “Superior” rating. They included:  Varsity Choir, Bulldog Big Band, Symphonic Band, Treble Choir, Wind Ensemble, Concert String Orchestra, Rendition, and Jazz Lab Band.

The WHS music groups are directed by Mr. Connor Allison, orchestras; Mr. Michael Kennedy and Mr. David Grayson, bands; and Ms. Jennifer Wagner and Mrs. Emily Heslinga,  choirs.

Below is the music program’s overall state ranking through recent years.

2023 - 3rd

2022 - 6th

2020-  7th

2019 - 5th

2018 - 3rd

2017 - 5th

2016 - 2nd

2015 - 3rd

2014 - 5th

2013 - 8th

2012 - 7th