Senior Mia Spiker Earns Second Consecutive Selection to ILMEA District 1 Music Festival Senior Chorus

Providence Catholic senior Mia Spiker has been selected to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Music Festival Senior Chorus as a Soprano 2, earning recognition for her vocal talent, dedication, and hard work. This marks Mia’s second consecutive year receiving the honor, giving her another opportunity to perform alongside talented student vocalists from across the district.

“I was overjoyed to find out I had made the ILMEA District 1 Festival Chorus,” Mia shared. “My experience there last year was unforgettable and such an honor.”

The audition process required months of preparation and commitment. Mia received five musical selections in May and spent her summer practicing independently and working with a vocal coach. Once the three audition pieces were announced, she continued refining her performances while also preparing scales and triads. The process concluded with several weeks of recording and submitting audition videos.

Mia’s love for singing began in fourth grade when she joined her elementary school choir. She continued participating in choir throughout middle school, including an extracurricular honors choir, and knew that music would remain an important part of her high school experience.

“When I got to Providence, I knew choir would be my top priority,” she said.

As a member of Providence Catholic’s Singing Celtics, Mia credits the program with helping her develop both her vocal abilities and confidence as a performer. Singing every day and exploring music in different styles and languages have allowed her to continually challenge herself and grow.

She also appreciates the opportunity to share her talents with the Providence Catholic community, particularly through music at All-School Masses.

“Although singing at All-School Masses can give me a bit of stage fright, it is something that helps me be a part of the community and contribute to Masses, which is something I am so grateful for,” Mia shared.

For Mia, being selected to the ILMEA District 1 Festival Chorus is about much more than individual recognition. It is an opportunity to connect with fellow musicians, learn from new perspectives, and experience the powerful sense of unity that comes from making music together.

“Being able to sing next to people who I’ve never met before and hearing our voices all blend together is something I wish everyone got the opportunity to experience,” she said.

As she prepares for this year’s festival, Mia looks forward to learning from new directors, meeting fellow vocalists, and sharing in an experience that celebrates the power of music to bring people together.

Congratulations to Mia on this well-earned honor and for representing Providence Catholic and the Singing Celtics!