Dear Families and Friends,

ABOB’s 36th Olde Alton Arts & Craft Fair was a huge success, and as we reflect on the year, we are incredibly grateful for our parents and community who make our mission possible. 

Alton bands and orchestras just wrapped up a busy concert season and students are now nestled at home with dreams of sugarplums, hot cocoa, and a little extra time to rest those chops and fingers. 

Before we recap the year, we want to ask for your support using our Zeffy campaign: 🎻🎺 “For 100 Years, Music Has Shaped Alton. Help Us Build the Next Movement.” 🎶  

Donation Link

The donations listed are suggested; the amount can be adjusted in the input field.

When you complete your payment, you will see a message that says, “Help keep Zeffy free for Alton Band and Orchestra Builders.” This contribution is optional. To opt out, click the arrow next to the suggested percentage, select “Other,” and enter “0” as the contribution amount. Donating to Zeffy is not required to participate.

Your ongoing support, attending our performances and events or making contributions, continues to shape the future of music education in Alton. Thank you!

Now to the wonderful things our students have completed August- December: 

• The Marching 100 won 2nd place in their class at the Eastern Illinois University Panther Marching Band Festival competition and 2nd place in their class as well Best Music and Best Visuals at the Effingham Marching Hearts Invitational. 
• Alton H.S. Symphonic Orchestra had a perfect evening performing musical Stories in the Woods for their annual TNI – In Harmony with Nature concert in September. 
• Alton M.S. had 1 student selected to participate in the ILMEA District 6 Junior Band and 11 students selected to participate in the ILMEA District 6 Junior Orchestra. 
• Alton H.S. had 2 students selected to participate in the ILMEA District 6 Senior Jazz Ensembles, 3 students selected to participate in the ILMEA District 6 Senior Band, and 9 students selected to participate in the ILMEA District 6 Senior Orchestra, 2 of which were principal cello and principal bass. 
• Alton H.S. will be proudly represented at the 2026 ILMEA All-State Festival by Quinn Halliday & Wesley Lebrun in the All-State Honors Band, Makayla Burns & Erick Humphrey in the All-State Orchestra, and Austin Koller in the All-State Honors Orchestra.  
• Alton M.S. Schumann performed for some of our Alton elementary children. 
• The Alton H.S. Chamber Strings recently shared holiday cheer with the students & staff at Gilson Brown Elementary, the residents at Charter Senior Living Community and packed the crowd in at Post Commons. 
• Atticus Chapman & Bella Paynic continued the solemn honored tradition of AHS trumpets performing Echo Taps during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Alton National Cemetery.

Coming next semester:
ABOB Virtual Auction in March
AHS spring musical, Newsies, April 23 – 25 
All of our Spring, 2026 performances can be found here on abob.net.