Tonight was a nice night. Our school board passed a resolution honoring the Symphonic Band for all of their accomplishments this year. Almost all of the Symphonic Band and their parents were on hand as the Board read the resolution...
It starts (and ends) with the repertoire. I firmly believe that a big portion of our success is due to the repertoire we perform…both quality and quantity. Most band, orchestra, and choir directors would agree that selecting our repertoire is...
Welcome to the continued documentation of my nervous breakdown. That’s not completely the truth, although I’ve certainly had my moments…which won’t surprise anyone who knows me. I’m over the top most of the time anyway. In this case, though, I’m...
Nicole, 8th grade, flute and piccolo: At morning band rehearsal Mr. De Stefano told the band that the Midwest letter might come. As afternoon band practice came close, my friends and I got extremely anxious. We all walked into the...
From Abigail, an eighth grade clarinetist: It was April 4, 2006. I was laying near death on the couch in my living room being sick with the stomach flu. I hadn’t gotten off my couch for the past 24 hours....
Ana (eighth grade) plays flute and piccolo: Almost two weeks have passed since we found out that we made Midwest (if it wasn’t all a dream), so I can’t exactly put my emotions into words quite yet. All I know...
Rebecca, eighth grader, horn: April 4th, 2006. The last bell of the school day rings and my friends and I rush out of class to get to our lockers. We had to hurry up because we had a special choir...
There’s certainly a lot going on around here. Thank goodness I don’t have to worry about placing 50 or so 14 year olds on an airplane to take them half across the country. Here’s what I’m working on. I’ll fill...
It’s been just over two weeks since receiving the invitation from Midwest. This morning was my first opportunity to sit and talk about the Midwest Clinic for an extended time with my administration. The agenda of that meeting is available...
“Enjoy one of the best feelings you will ever have! No pressure yet, just the honor!” ~ Don Shupe (Libertyville High School) The room erupted when I read the letter. I’ve never quite seen anything like it…at least not in...