SYCAMORE – Sycamore’s music program has again cemented its claim as one of the best in Illinois.

The Sycamore High School Music Department won second place in the 2021 Illinois High School Association Music Sweepstakes competition for Class A schools.

The win marks the third Top 3 finish in as many years, and the sixth Top 3 finish since 2009. Class A programs are the second largest in Illinois, with school districts having between 555 and 1,254 students.

The awards were based on results from video-recorded student solo and small ensemble performances for the online IHSA Solo/Ensemble Festival, and also from recorded band, orchestra and choir performances for the online IHSA Organizational Festival.

In addition, the SHS Orchestra program placed first in Class A for its Solo/Ensemble results. Sycamore’s band and vocal programs each won seventh place rankings.

Overall, SHS scored 567 points to capture second place statewide. Chicago High School for the Arts, at 726 points, won first place.

“Our results this year are an absolute tribute to the dedication and excellence of our SHS music students,” Scott Mertens, music department chair, said in a news release. “Their motivation and determination are what allowed Sycamore to participate and eventually thrive this year, and they should take great pride in their achievement.

“Also, congratulations go to their teachers and private instructors, whose efforts in working with our students was key to their success. It is truly an award that our students, school and community can take pride in.”

Due to health and safety concerns, schools of all sizes worked around technical hurdles to record performances and submit them electronically for judging this year.

“We’re just delighted,” Sycamore superintendent Steve Wilder said in the release. “In a school year that has brought so many challenges, so many disappointments, and so much frustration, it’s wonderful to celebrate our music program’s fantastic success in this year’s IHSA sweepstakes. We could not be prouder of our students, faculty and staff, who have shown us again that persistence pays off. Thank you for this moment in the sun.”