The competition is controlled by strict regulations and procedures. The contestants are given five songs to practice and rehearse at their discretion along with a CD of the complete performance.

"I try to work with kids individually, as well as in sections during class and after school," said choir director Denise Ewers. Ewers said she makes every effort to help prepare her students for the auditions so they can attend the Festival.

Even after being selected for the festival the students must arrive on campus early Nov. 22 to begin the all day rehearsal under the direction of a guest director. The day ends with a concert anyone may attend.

Sadie Bratt was quite surprised that she was selected to attend the festival. "I crammed every day the last week before the auditions for a couple of hours," Bratt said. "It gives you confidence as to how good you are not just how good you think you are."

"I joined choir because my whole family is full of singers, and I like to sing so I followed in their footsteps and decided to do it," Bratt said.

From the DHS music department, two musicians Karin Lee and Elizabeth Mayer will attend the IMEA Festival. Lee will play flute and Mayer will play clarinet and they too will rehearse all day before they play in the evening concert to end the festival. Lee and Mayer are also eligible to go to Allstate in Peoria in January.

"Allstate orchestra band and choir is the music equivalent of state for sports, only about 100 to 200 people can qualify," said band director Steve Boll.

"The festival in January will last three days and there's usually about 10,000 people in attendance," Boll said.

Unfortunately, the participants do not receive a trophy or award for their excellence in their art.

"Just word of mouth and a certificate if you go to Allstate, but if you go to State then a lot of colleges will take notice if you plan on pursuing a career in music," Boll said.