ALTON - Alton High School’s choir program has an impressive batch of musicians, and many were recently recognized at the state level.
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Director Leah Galbraith noted that students “performed beautifully” at their recent fall concert, and they are now preparing for their Christmas concert on Dec. 9, 2026. But in the meantime, a few students were selected to compete through the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA), which is a big honor. Galbraith is proud of her musicians and eager to see them continue their musical journeys.
“That’s my biggest goal for my choral program, for the students to leave here knowing how to read music and then become lifelong musicians,” she said. “I think that’s probably the best thing I could do for anybody. If that was something that they were able to achieve and then go on and be able to sing anywhere they go, or in community choirs, or even just open mic nights — anywhere they could be able to do that, I think that would be pretty cool.”
Alton Community Unit School District #11 offers four choirs to high school students. The general choir, concert choir, chamber singers and bel canto groups are all made up of students who love to sing.
All four choirs participated in the “stunning” fall concert last week, which Galbraith described as “one of my best fall concerts that we’ve had.” Several administrators have approached her to compliment the students and their talents.
The choirs meet for an hour every day to rehearse. They are currently working toward their Christmas concert, scheduled for Dec. 9.
Additionally, several students are preparing for all-state, the next level for ILMEA competitors. The students who received ILMEA honors include Piper Hand, Amelia Harner, Charlie Hussey, Alyssa Knight, Cal Linenfelser, Owen Linley, Cooper Linley, Elias Meydam, Harrison Prott, Parker Scheer, Charlie Schuleter, Preston Watson, Lilly Burns and Mak Cleary.
These students had to send in a virtual audition, which required many weeks of preparation. Galbraith noted that these students have demonstrated an impressive understanding of musical theory, an ability to read music and vocal talent.
She is proud of every musician in the choir program. As the students begin rehearsals for their next concert, she hopes the fun of the fall concert buoys them.
In addition to the main choral program, Alton High School has a conservatory where Allison and Kevin Neace give one-on-one vocal lessons. Michael Frazier also serves as the choir’s accompanist, and he works with the students and Galbraith every day.
Galbraith believes both the conservatory and the full-time accompanist are rare opportunities for students. She added that not many districts can offer these experiences. She is grateful for the Alton School District’s support of the music program, and she hopes the students can enjoy and learn from the choir program.
“Alton is very lucky,” Galbraith said. “I think we’ve got a lot of support within our district and with our superintendent. I feel like a lot of that is because they support the arts and music so much that we’re able to have those things that really complement and support our choral program overall.”
For more information about Alton High School’s choir program, including their next concert, visit their official Facebook page.
This featured article is sponsored by the Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
