Congratulations to McCracken (Oakview) Middle School Band Alum, Class of 1966, Mike Balter for his recent induction into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame!
A big congratulations to the McCracken Middle School Bands who just learned that they are Division Winners and National Finalists for the National Band Association Programs of Excellence Award! Congratulations! to our Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award High School...
Congratulations to the McCracken Middle Symphonic Band for a terrific Beginner Band recruitment concert at Middleton Elementary School this morning. Special thanks to the section leaders who prepared and performed solos to demonstrate the instruments to the elementary students!
Andrew Hitz, former tubist of the Boston Brass and a classmate of mine at Northwestern University, just posted a great interview with area composer Jim Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson will be in residence at McCracken Middle School later this year writing...
A huge congratulations to the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band for their terrific performance and selection as Honor Band at the 2015 SuperState Concert Band Festival at the University of Illinois. Being invited to SuperState is a big accomplishment and...
Good luck to the Symphonic Band as they travel to the University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival. Once again, BandDirector.com will be live webcasting SuperState all day on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. The McCracken Middle School...
Congratulations to the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band, 8th Grade Singers, 7th Grade Singers, and Swing Choir for their terrific performances at the Illinois Grade School Music Association State Festival today. All the groups performed wonderfully. The Symphonic Band also...
Congratulations to the McCracken Symphonic Band, 7th Grade Singers, 8th Grade Singers, and Swing Choir for all received at Division I (superior) rating at today’s Illinois Grade School Music Association District Contest. All four groups will go on to participate...
I’m very humbled to have been asked to contribute two chapters in books being released by GIA Publications this Midwest Clinic: Whatsoever Things…The Life and Teachings of John P. Paynter John P. Paynter was one of the true legends of...
McCracken Middle School Band alum Jeff DeRoche was featured this summer in a 7 episode series New Tanglewood Tales: “Backstage with Rising Artists.” The series follows the professional and personal lives of six Tanglewood Music Center Fellows this past summer.