At Monmouth-Roseville High School, music isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a tradition of excellence and a cornerstone of community pride. Under the leadership of Kevin Ferry, the junior high and high school choir director for the past 16 years, the program has become a powerhouse in Illinois, winning the IHSA Class B State Championship in music for 12 consecutive years.

“We’re fortunate to have incredibly dedicated students, supportive administrators, and a community that values the arts,” Ferry says. His humility belies the impact of his leadership. “I’m not the world’s best musician, but I know how to motivate kids and relate to them.”

The program’s signature event, the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest, is a highlight of the year. Monmouth-Roseville students consistently shine, earning top scores and Best of the Day awards. “We’ve been maxing out the points allowed in solo and ensemble competitions for years,” Ferry explains. This year, the choir boasts 90 members, with 63 solos and 63 ensembles participating—a testament to the program’s growth and the students’ dedication.

Senior Rowan Love, a member of the Madrigal Singers, describes the experience as transformative. “Music is a huge part of my life. Solo and ensemble season is my favorite time of year. It’s not just about performing—it’s about connecting with the music and sharing stories,” Rowan says. Last year, Rowan performed Danza Fanciulla in Italian, using his voice to convey love and devotion across language barriers. “It felt like the music was living through me.”

Rowan’s peers echo this sentiment. Drew Carlson, a junior, participates in both choir and band, performing solos on trombone and piano. “Competing in these events is a chance to showcase all the hard work we’ve put in,” Drew says. Senior Matthew Blackford, a four-year Madrigal Singers member, sees the program as a stepping stone to his future. “I want to be a choir director one day. This program has prepared me for that.”

The dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom. During the month of February, choir students focus entirely on their solo and ensemble pieces, supported by volunteer accompanists from the community. “We have so many events—140 this year—that one accompanist couldn’t handle it all,” Ferry says. “Our district compensates these volunteers, which shows how much they value the program.”

The competition itself is a community affair. Monmouth-Roseville hosts the IHSA event, drawing 25 schools and more than 2,000 people to its campus. “Only at Monmouth-Roseville is solo and ensemble a spectator sport,” Ferry jokes. Packed rooms and enthusiastic audiences create an electric atmosphere. “When our students perform, the rooms are standing-room only,” he says. “It’s sports, but with music.”

Ferry credits the program’s success to a tradition of student-driven excellence. “For the seniors, there’s this unspoken rule: ‘We don’t want to be the class that breaks the streak.’ That’s their motivation,” he says. Students take pride in their contributions, whether they’re vying for Best of the Day honors or simply earning points toward the team’s total. “For the rest of their lives, no one can say they weren’t good enough. They’ll always be state champions,” Ferry says.

A moment of levity during our conversation underscored Ferry’s unique perspective. When I mentioned his apparent ability to “see greatness,” the students laughed along with Ferry as he shared with me that he’s actually legally blind—a detail the young men in the room already knew. “I’ve experienced so much more of life through hearing than vision,” he shared. “Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to this work—music isn’t just something I hear, it’s something I feel.”

The impact of the program reaches beyond trophies. “The most rewarding part isn’t the medals or the plaques—it’s seeing how much the students grow as musicians and individuals,” Ferry reflects. Rowan, Drew, and Matthew agree that the program has shaped them, instilling discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

As Monmouth-Roseville prepares for another competition season, the energy is palpable. “Humans want to be part of something successful,” Ferry says. “That’s what makes this program special—it’s a place where students can achieve greatness and carry that pride with them forever.”

From soaring solos to packed competition halls, Monmouth-Roseville’s music program is more than a tradition—it’s a celebration of talent, hard work, and community.