The Mundelein High School Music Program continues to build on its reputation as one of the top programs in the state. Now it is becoming known on a national level.
For the third year in a row, MHS was recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education (BCME)” in the nation. Mundelein was one of just nine individual schools in Illinois to earn the award. The unique and prestigious award is given by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects who we are as a school,” MHS Principal Alexandria Taylor said. “Earning this distinction once is meaningful. Earning it three years in a row tells a deeper story — it speaks to the talent and dedication of our students, the artistry of our staff, and a community that shows up for the arts every single day."
The award, a signature program of NAMM, recognizes and celebrates schools and districts for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to assure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. It is based on excellence in the following areas: student demographics; teacher/student ratio; music education participation rates; music education requirements for graduation; knowledge of music education electives; teacher qualifications; standards for assessing music education; music facilities and budget.
The MHS program provides many opportunities for students to improve, including clinics from renowned musicians and composers from across the world and invitations to some of the top festivals in the country.
MHS also shares musical opportunities with younger student musicians across the community, hosting an annual 8th grade Rockstars choral event, an All-Star night with 8th grade band students and bringing high school music students on a Fine Arts Tour to area middle schools.
Following years of successful competitions from its Honors Wind Ensemble, Honors Jazz Ensemble, Show Choirs and Marching Band, MHS has developed a well-rounded music program.
“Our success is built on a commitment to diverse representation and the belief that every student, regardless of their starting point, deserves a world-class arts education,” said MHS Fine Arts Chairman Rich Stiles. “This achievement belongs to our staff and the entire community, whose support remains the heartbeat of our Fine Arts department."
During the current school year, MHS had 15 students audition into District 7 Honors Ensembles and three of them auditioned into All-State-level ensembles. The Mundelein Honors Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the State Conference in Peoria and the Mundelein Honors Jazz Ensemble was selected as a featured performer at the ILMEA Conference. The Jazz Ensemble was also selected as a clinic group for the 2026 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
MHS Show Choirs - Sound and Reverb - garnered several Grand Championship titles. Sound finishes in the top five show choirs at each competition. And MHS’s all-abilities choir - Notables - offers the opportunity for general education and special education students to explore music together in a collaborative and inclusive setting.
The Marching Mustangs (marching band) consistently finish in the top 10 in the state within their class at the University of Illinois competition.