University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Ethan Ivey

February 19, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - After graduating from Western Illinois University, Ethan Ivey has made sure to stay a part of the Leatherneck community.

Ivey, a 2012, bachelor of Music graduate in Music Education and a 2014 master of Music graduate in Choral Conducting, has taught choir, theatre and music classes at the Macomb School District for seven years, and gives back to the University with his talent.

"It was an easy choice to come back to where I felt most at home," Ivey said. "I work with WIU frequently as director of the Holiday Festival Children's Choir and as the music director of the 2024 WIU Summerstage show ‘Newsies.'"

Ivey also said he brings his students to WIU choral events throughout the year and serves occasionally as an accompanist or pit keyboard player when time allows.

Ivey uses many natural musical abilities in his career, but credits WIU for helping hone them so he can pass them along to students and the community.

"WIU education courses prepared me to be a teacher and the vocal technique, choral conducting, diction, theory, history, piano and tech classes gave me the specific skills I use frequently as a Choir Director," Ivey said. "I had great role models and leaders during my time at WIU!"

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about WIU's Music Education program, visit wiu.edu/musiceducation.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing