PEORIA — For longer than most of us care to remember, the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) has been hosting auditions for the District Festival all over Illinois.

All branches of music are covered in their auditions, with orchestra, chorus, and band included in the IMEA program.

Out of the district festivals, students in higher chairs may be invited to audition for the All-State Festival, a prestigious honor for high school musicians across the state. This year, four Uni students were selected to receive this honor. Seniors Claire Liu and Katherine Floess, along with Sophomore Chelsea Edwards, were chosen for All-State Orchestra, playing cello, clarinet, and violin, respectively. Senior Ben Zehr was also chosen for All-State Chorus.

This is Claire and Katherine's second year of All-State participation, last year being selected with alumni Elizabeth Russel, Katherine Buzard, and Miles Bribriesco.

The festival itself will take place in January, 2011 in Peoria. The four students will travel there with Rick Murphy, Uni High fine arts teacher. This year's All-State Conference is titled "Music is a 21st Century Skill".

The conference entails various activities, such as performances and speakers on how to be a better musician. Most of the time is taken up by practice clinics for the students, each focusing on a particular area of music.

The final concerts will be held Saturday, January 29, at the CC-Carver Arena, with the All-State Orchestra, Band, and Chorus performing. There will also be the Honors Concert, with all the same musical groups.

The concerts are general admission with a $5 cover fee for non-Conference attendees.

"Everyone is very talented and dedicated and you get to play the hardest music that I'd probably never get to play otherwise," said Liu. "I'm so glad I get to go back."