Proviso Press Release

PEORIA, Ill. – While Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) may not have an orchestra program, that didn’t stop sophomore Josiah Davis from earning a spot in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Student Orchestra.

Davis, a violinist, performed at the ILMEA Convention in Peoria from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2025. His selection for the prestigious event was the result of years of dedication and support from his family, private instructor Eloise Meloni, and support from PMSA music directors Matt Brown and Justin Berchtold.

“I was very excited when I realized I qualified for state,” Davis said. “Meeting other musicians and seeing how passionate they are about music really inspired me. Ever since I got back, I’ve been practicing three to four hours a day.”

Davis’s musical journey began at age 8, inspired by a video his mother showed him of a violinist. Coming from a musical family—his father plays the saxophone, and his siblings play various instruments—he quickly immersed himself in the craft. Without an orchestra at PMSA, he pursued training through private lessons and community programs such as the Sunflower Chambers Orchestra, which he has been part of for four years.

At the convention, Davis and his fellow musicians followed a rigorous schedule with multiple daily rehearsals. He described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. A highlight of the event was meeting the orchestra’s conductor, Jean Perrault.

“I’ve never seen a conductor lead the way he did,” Davis said. “It was so creative and inspiring.”

Looking ahead, Davis aspires to become a professional violinist and plans to attend a music conservatory after high school. His advice to aspiring musicians is simple: “Stay consistent and just try your best. If you put in the work, there is really no way that you can fail.”

Davis also reflects on the universal power of music, sharing a favorite quote from Stevie Wonder: “Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.”