High school students from across the state are in Peoria this week showcasing their music skills. The 28^th annual Illinois Music Educators Association conference kicked off Thursday at the Peoria Civic Center. Thousands of music educators are honing their skills in professional development clinics and the best musicians in the state are performing together in various ensembles.

It’s one of the largest visitor draws in to the region. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon gave the keynote address at the conference’s opening general session. In honor of the teachers and students making music in the city, here are some excerpts from the speech. Simon plays the banjo and bassoon and talks about the importance of the arts in schools.

TAG: The three largest concerts that will take place at the Civic Center this week include the All-State Jazz Concert Friday night at eight. The All State Concert featuring orchestra, chorus and band begins Saturday at 1. The cost is five dollars to attend the performances.