Guest Conductors

One of more fun and exciting aspects of the Midwest performance is having the chance to invited different guest conductors for the concert. I tried, as best I could, to hold off, really I did. Selfishly (although justifiably so I think), I wanted to make sure I reserved a sufficient amount of podium time for myself. Once it became clear we’d have at least eight, but most likely nine pieces on our program, I started making calls.

Anyway, I couldn’t be happier with our guest conductors for our Midwest performance. They are some of the finest musicians and educators that I know. Each of them has made a significant impact on my career and development as a teacher. They’ve been there every step of the way as our program has grown and matured over the last several years. It is truly an honor for us to have them to share in our Midwest experience.

Don Stahlberg spent 33 of his 36 years teaching at McCracken Middle School from 1963 to 1996. Prior to my student teaching with Don, teaching at the middle school level was not something I had considered. He is a terrific teacher who had wonderful and successful bands throughout his career. He built this program from nothing. When I first asked Don to guest conduct, he was clearly surprised and immediately responded “I don’t think so.” I convinced him to reconsider and was very pleased when he accepted our invitation.

Don DeRoche is Director of Bands at DePaul University. Don’s son, currently a percussion performance major at DePaul, was a fifth grader in our band program my first year at McCracken. Don has been extremely supportive of our program and has written countless Midwest recommendations and has listened to dozens and dozens of takes from our various recording sessions for our Midwest applications. He has shaped my philosophy, approach, and teaching style more than he will ever know.

Steve Peterson (Ithaca College) and Don Owens (Northwestern University, retired) were both amazing influential teachers of mine at Northwestern and have also sent many recommendation letters on our behalf. Since my college days, they have been wonderful mentors and friends. I spend each day trying to recreate for my students the experiences I had in their rehearsals and classes. I would not be anywhere near the teacher and musician I am today had it not been for these men.

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Earlier today the reservation limit of 6 pieces was raised to 18. I’ve spent a lot of time the last couple days preparing…more on this later.

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