Feeling good about the future

“By Thy Rivers Gently Flowing, Illinois, Illinois.”

If you recognize those seven words, you know they are the beginning of the Illinois state song. The melody and the lyrics are really lovely, and it is a shame that so many residents of our state do not know that song. I have to admit that I could not remember any more than the above words. There are many verses, and I heard the entire song for the very first time on Jan. 28 at the IMEA 2012 Conference in the Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. I wonder why that song is not part of the music programs in our schools.

The All-State Concert included a band, a chorus and an orchestra. The grand finale was the state song by the three groups combined. The Honors Concert also included a band, a chorus and an orchestra; the grand finale was, again, the state song by the three groups combined. We attended only the Honors Concert, in which my grandson from Rockford participated, and I was quite impressed. I understand the All-State Concert was also great.

Each of the approximately 300 high school students in the honors chorus went through the scrutiny of several auditions to be accepted, as did all members performing in these concerts. The program listed members from our area high schools — Bureau Valley, Princeton, Ottawa, Mendota, Geneseo and LaSalle-Peru. However, I have not seen much about this in any of our local newspapers, We read so much about the negative things our teenagers do, but if you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these IMEA concerts, you will come out with a more positive feeling about the future of America. My congratulations to these fine young, talented people.

Marcia Ann Thompson

Ohio, Ill.