The McCracken Middle School Bands lost a friend and strong supporter with the recent passing of former Director of Bands at the University of Illinois James F. Keene.
Ted Lega was a legend in every sense of the word. He was the band director at Joliet Township High School for 33 years, continuing the legacy of excellence that amazing program throughout his time there. He was elected to...
I met and knew Ed Jones mostly through the Illinois Grade School Music Association. I didn’t know him well, but there have been few more supportive of my career and our band program over the years. His influence on bands...
We just learned that Charles Groeling, former band director at Niles East and Niles West High Schools, recently passed away. Dr. Groeling was a tremendously accomplished director bringing the Niles West Band to performances at the Midwest Clinic, Mideast Clinic,...
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bennett Reimer, a former professor of mine at Northwestern University and giant in the field of music education. Dr. Reimer was an extremely prolific writer, but his book A Philosophy of...
I don’t know how I missed this, but the band world (really, the entire music world) lost another giant a couple days ago. Francis McBeth, world-renowned composer and longtime OBU professor, dies at 78 [Ouachita News] Dr. William Francis McBeth...
One would be hard pressed to find someone who had as much an influence on woodwind education as Himie Voxman. I was certainly just reminded of this going through different repertoire helping students choose solos for the upcoming solo and...
Another well respected educator leaving us way too soon. Our condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and students. Steve Nedzel 1979-2011 [ Chicago Tribune ] Popular Band Director Dies in Fall [ NBC Chicago ] Lincoln-Cay Mourns Death of West Band...
Mark Rymer, Band Director at Zion-Benton Township High School, passed away suddenly this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with his young family during this truly difficult time. Mark Christian Rymer, 34, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday,...
Harry Begian, Director of Bands at the University of Illinois from 1970 to 1984, passed away this past Monday. The descriptive “legend” gets tossed around a lot these days, but there is no better description of his work and legacy....