Illinois—Hinsdale Adventist Academy hosted the Illinois Conference Music Festival Mar. 13–15. The bands from North Shore Junior Academy and Hinsdale Adventist Academy joined forces under the direction of guest conductor Barbara Favorito.

It was an honor to have such a distinguished musician lead our students. Favorito is a professor of music at La Sierra University. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting with highest distinction from the University of Miami. She has conducted wind ensembles, bands, orchestras and choirs in 35 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe, and is the recipient of numerous academic and professional awards. The clinic consisted of two days of intense instruction and rehearsal. Favorito commented on how impressed she was with the effort put forth by all the students.

The festival culminated in a concert on Saturday evening. The audience was treated to a diverse repertoire. Those who attended didn't want the concert to end, and tried their hardest to persuade Favorito to conduct one more song, but to no avail.

The evening ended much too soon! Next year, the Illinois Conference will hold a choir festival, which will be hosted by North Shore. Hinsdale Adventist Academy's music director is Lovelyn Sampayan, and Steve Martin is the music director at North Shore Junior Academy.

Rebecca Garrett, marketing director, Hinsdale Adventist Academy