04/22/2026
As we look forward to our Academic Excellence Day performance tomorrow (Thursday, April 23 at 7:00) and then commencement on Friday, May 8, we want to thank and recognize our special seniors who have Made their Mark on Music at McKendree.
1. Conner Bennett, trombone, will be graduating with a degree in Political Science. During his time at McKendree, he was a member of the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Spirit Band. When asked of his favorite musical memory, Conner states, " Just being able to play my trombone again and have fun with the friends I've made in band ". After graduation Conner plans to find a job and save up money to attend grad school.
2. Tristen Dame, tenor saxophone, will be graduating with a degree in Cybersecurity and minors in Computer Information Systems and Computer Science. During his time at McKendree, he was a member of Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band. When asked if his favorite musical memory, Tristen states, “Getting to play in a quartet with my fiancée, Jessi, for her senior recital.” After graduation Tristen plans to get a job in the tech field.
3. Daniel Duncan, euphonium, will be graduating with a degree in Business Administration in Human Resource Management. During his time at McKendree, he was a member of the Concert Band & Spirit Band. When asked of his favorite musical memory, Daniel states, "My favorite memory is my senior year as a drum major, especially performing our senior night field show." After graduation, Daniel plans to attend the University of Illinois to pursue his master’s degree in human resources.
4. Emily Goff, flute, will be graduating with a degree in Middle School Social Studies Education. During her time at McKendree, she was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, and Spirit Band. When asked of her favorite musical memory Emily states, "Meeting and making music with the amazing people who became my life-long best friends, as well as the Professors who kept me going even when I didn’t think I could." After graduation, Emily plans to find a teaching job in the area. Until then, she will spend her time volunteering at the TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow!
5. Gloria Loeza Ozorio, French horn, will be graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. During her time at McKendree, she was a member of the Spirit Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Ensemble. When asked of her favorite musical memory, Gloria states, “My favorite memory was meeting my friend Karina during Spirit Band’s band camp.” After graduation, Gloria plans to enjoy some well‑needed vacations while job searching for marketing positions, with the goal of working as a pharmaceutical sales representative.
6. Abigail Mackin, voice, will be graduating with a degree in Biopsychology with a minor in Sociology and Clinical and Counseling. During her time at McKendree, she was a member of both Concert and Chamber Choir. When asked about her favorite musical memory Abigail states, "Preforming Dan Forest's Requiem for the Living in the St. Clare of Assisi Church was a beautiful experience. I remember people stopping me and other choir members after the concert to tell us how beautiful we sounded in the church with the orchestra." After graduation Abigail plans to continue her education at SIUE in the Speech Pathology Master's program.
7. Megan Melone, percussion, will be graduating with a degree in accounting. During her time at McKendree, she was a member of the Spirit and Concert Band. When asked of her favorite musical memory Megan states, "Performing for Academic Excellence." After graduation Megan plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration.
