Mike Balter graduated from Oakview Junior High School in 1966. Earning his collegiate degrees at DePaul University, Mike has studied under several of the nation’s most respected players and teachers. He later taught drums and percussion at Governor’s State University,...
I’ve been reading Pathways: A Guide for Energizing & Enriching Band, Orchestra, & Choral Programs by Joseph Alsobrook. I’m only about halfway through, but wow, it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite band related texts. In the next several weeks...
Be sure to check the lesson schedules in your classroom this week. Because of the new MAP testing at McCracken next week there have been several revisions to the schedules that were mailed home this summer: – Symphonic Band Clarinets...
If you’ve been following along, you know that we had a two-hour rehearsal this morning to read through our anticipated Midwest program for the first time. I have to confess to two things: 1) While planning this rehearsal, I was...
From Jeanine, 8th grade flutist, and 3 year member of the Symphonic Band regarding our band camp: I would wake up knowing there would be a long day ahead, but I also knew it would be a day of improvement....
Well…we just finished our weeklong band camp. Things have been so crazy I haven’t even had a chance to post about it yet. This isn’t something we normally do, but added it in preparations of our performance at Midwest. In...
FUNDRAISING Since we are an Illinois band, we do not have the hefty transportation costs normally associated with a Midwest Clinic performance. We do, though, have several needs associated with our Midwest performance and preparation: – Design, photography and printing...
Please notice a couple changes to our calendar. The first is August 21 & 22. On the 21st, we will not rehearse, but will meet in the afternoon for our Midwest Clinic photo shoot for our concert program and publicity...
Buried in the back of the binder we received from the Midwest Office at the June meeting is a green sheet titled “Program Planning Suggestions” from the Board of Director’s Performance Coordinating Committee. There’s some great advice on this page...
It’s been a little while since I’ve posted. While a lot of work has gone into preparing for the school year, there are a lot of loose ends that need to be tied before I post in greater detail. Band...