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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA 2026) State Festival: Coordinating & Retrospective

Date

April 25-May 3, 2026

Conference & Retrospective

Course Code

7146A

Credits

1

Tuition

$180

Course Description

VanderCook College of Music offers participants of Illinois Grade School Music Association State Festival an opportunity to earn 1 Graduate Credit (one semester hour) by the combination on-site service, on-site observation, and retrospective work for a total of 12 hours.

Choice of dates:

Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Band, Orchestra, Choir)

or

Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Jazz)

Prerequisites

  • Membership in the Illinois Grade School Music Association. Membership can be confirmed at IGSMA.org or through: 

TERRENCE MELBOURN

Executive Secretary-Treasurer

24025 West Ottawa Street

Plainfield, IL 60544

815-325-6685

[email protected]

  • In Person attendance, service, and observation at the Illinois Grade School Music Association State Festival (IGSMA State 2026).

Instructor

Sarah Giordano

Sarah Giordano is a professor at VanderCook College of Music, where she teaches Secondary General Music Methods and Musical Theatre Methods. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as a master’s project advisor and contributes to the MECA program, with ‘Combat Piano for the New Choral Director.’ She is an active choral clinician, adjudicator, and accompanist.

Sarah Giordano brings over 24 years of experience in the Chicago suburbs as an educator and musician, having dedicated two decades as a middle school general music teacher, choir director and drama director. Ms. Giordano holds a Bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in choral music education from VanderCook College of Music. Furthering her academic pursuits, she is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at Boston University. 

Ms. Giordano has a passion for musical theatre. She directs and serves as music director and vocal director with various youth theatre programs and both professional and community adult theatre programs. Among her recent youth theatre works are Madagascar JR, Frozen JR, R&H Cinderella: Youth Edition, The Pirates of Penzance, and Godspell. Recent mainstage productions are Spamalot, Guys and Dolls, The Bridges of Madison County, Hairspray, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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