The contents of these IGSMA History pages are taken from W. C. Edwards commemorative book, “The First Fifty Years Through the Eyes of Bill Edwards - A  History of the Illinois Grade School Music Association”.  A copy of this book may be obtained by contacting the Executive-Secretary.

Bill writes in his dedication: 

This book is dedicated to all the officers and Executive Board members whose strong, imaginative, and innovative leadership has made the Illinois Grade School Music Association an outstanding organization throughout the past fifty years; and last but not least, to all the fine directors of the bands, orchestras, and choruses who have devoted their energy and time in furthering the musical education of young adults with excellence and enthusiasm as members of the Illinois Grade School Music Association for the past fifty years.  Congratulations to all of these people.

(These pages have been edited for web purposes.)