Rockford Jefferson High School’s band competed in the IHSA Music State Finals on Saturday, marking their first-ever appearance in the prestigious competition. Under the direction of Ben Randecker, Jefferson’s musicians took part in the Class AA Solo and Ensemble category, showcasing their talent among some of the top programs in the state.
In their debut showing, Jefferson placed 11th overall with a score of 153 points. This is a remarkable achievement for a program entering the contest for the first time, as they competed against well-established bands with extensive histories in the competition.
Leading the way was O’Fallon High School, which captured first place with an impressive 378 points. Washington followed closely in second place with 369 points, while Bradley-Bourbonnais rounded out the top three with 288 points.
Other notable finishes included Burbank (Reavis) in fourth place with 279 points and Waukegan High School in fifth with 267 points. Rockford Jefferson finished ahead of several schools, including Blue Island (Eisenhower), Richton Park (Rich Township), and Kankakee, among others.
With a strong first outing at the IHSA Music State Finals, Rockford Jefferson’s band has set a foundation for future growth and success. Their performance reflects the dedication of the students and staff, and the school community is excited to see what they can achieve in the years to come.