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...
Please join us in the McCracken Middle School Music Room this Sunday at 3:00 for the first meeting of the Midwest Parent Committee Meeting. All parents of current Symphonic Band members are welcome to attend this meeting. Agenda items to...
Mr. De Stefano will be participating in the Midwest Clinic Blogs. Several directors will be writing about the Midwest experience as they prepare for and reflect upon their performance next December. —–
“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...
The Midwest Clinic has formally announced the performers for the 2006 60th Anniversary Conference. —–
McCracken is a great school. It is filled with talented and creative teachers. Our administrators are smart, strong leaders, who truly want what is best for the students of our schools. The community is extremely supportive. Our students excel both...
I love performing at conferences. I particularly enjoy preparing for them. There’s something about a high-pressure performance that doesn’t involve competition. I also feel, because of our successes, that it is our responsibility to share as much as we can...