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 the Organizational Contests. Points earned from both competitions are then added up to give a final ranking. 

With 808.5 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. 

During the solo/ensemble contest, a total of 90 WHS performances earned a Division I rating – the highest rating possible --  either as a soloist or in a small ensemble. Three Waukegan High School performances earned “Best of Day” designation during the Illinois High School Association Solo/Ensemble contest earlier this spring. Venn Neo Domdom - Vocal Solo, and a Euphonium Trio performed by Jose Pulido-Martinez, Anthony Martinez and Lizbeth Morales, as well as the Varsity Choir.

In the Organizational Contest the WHS groups that received a Division 1, or “Superior” rating included Varsity Choir and Rendition.  

Collectively, the band (5th place), orchestra (4th place) and choir (5th place) each finished in the top 10 in the solo/ensemble contest in their respective category. 

The WHS music groups are directed by Mr. Connor Allison and Dr. Erin Hansen, orchestras; Mr. David Grayson and Mr. Eduardo Ortiz, bands; and Ms. Jennifer Wagner and Mrs. Emily Heslinga, choirs.

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

2024 - 3rd

2023 - 3rd

2022 - 6th

2020-  7th

2019 - 5th

2018 - 3rd

2017 - 5th

2016 - 2nd

2015 - 3rd

2014 - 5th

2013 - 8th

2012 - 7th