Be A Techie:)

My highlight of the season is the Illinois Music Education Association annual conference. Years ago, on a complete whim, the band director, Don Golden and I, decided to to the the conference, ah, like one week before. We got an hotel, two separate rooms, far from the conference, but from that point on, we were completely hooked on the conference. Although it is held in Peoria, Illinois, three hours away, I will not comment on facilities or venue, it’s the people and organization that make the conference.

From the moment we arrive, I feel I am with “my people.” IMEA completely takes over the town and every hotel, for this is not just a professional development conference it is ALL STATE. What that means is in the fall, the various districts from across the state hold a contest, those students are considered “all district,” then they compete for “all-state.” in choir, band, jazz, and orchestra. If a student is selected, then they come to Peoria and tryout again for the various performing groups, either regular ALL STATE or HONORS ALL STATE. They rehearse over three days and a concert either on Friday night or Saturday afternoon is presented to family and friends. So, you have students, along with educators all at one conference. In addition, various performing groups from elementary through college also perform over the three days. Everyone is carrying music and/or instrument. Students are giddy with their new found friendships and basic black dress or suit is a common thread. I try to attend a mixture of inspiration speakers, new technologies, and a concert or two.

Greg Wojcik, Taken from GB website

It started out fabulously, one of my close friends, Greg Wojcik, the Glenbrook South Band Director, received “The Mary Hoffman” award, basically “Illinois Music Teacher of the Year,” at the opening ceremony.  He gave a gracious speech and I am honored to know him. In attendance was many of his students, former students, administrators, and fellow music educators. He has molded Glenbrook South’s band department as an inclusive, talented, and caring depeartment, Always willing to share and share alike. Years ago, he was the Band Director at Sunset Ridge School. He truly cares about his students and is a wonderful role model for every educator.

Taken from Glenbrook School’s website

“Excellence truly describes Mr. Wojcik’s 31 years of teaching at Glenbrook South High School where he teachers Titan Band, Marching Band, Zazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Winds and Band Exploration.  Mr. Wojcik has been responsible for making our band one of the finest instrumental groups in the nation.  His bands have marched in every major bowl parade and have won numerous band competitions including the St. Rita High School Mustang Stampede this year.  He also teaches our students to give of themselves and to make our community an even better place.  His drum line and band play at local retirement homes, in the July 4th Glenview Parade, the Holiday Parade, at Rotary fundraisers, Booster Club events and so much more.  Simply put, Greg Wojcik teaches instrumentation, marching band and how to share ones’ talents to make our community and world a better place.”

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Tags: All-state, Brenda Muench, Carol Broos, Debby Kayno, Greg Wojcik, Illinois All-state, IMEA, Kyle Freesen, Lori McCaskey

I recently got an email that my high school band director, Mr. Spriester was turning 80 on November 15th and could I  send a card. Then I got to thinking, although I live ten miles from where I grew up and never really told him how much he impacted my life.  If it weren’t for you Mr. Spriester, I would not be in music and certainly not a music teacher.

Mr. Spriester was one of the most important teachers that enabled me to soar and little did he know how much he impacted my life. As a young freshman in high school, he was the first music educator that did not get upset if any of I made a mistake. I was quite taken my this, all my other music teachers would scream and push me, thus making me nervous and thus I would create even more mistakes. I remember he would say “Just play the mistake loud, so we know what we have to work on.”  He demanded respect and excellence. Looking back on all those rehearsals with the eighty or so students, be it marching band, flute challenges or concert rehearsals, he never raised his voice. There were never any behavior issues and the repertoire we played was extremely difficult. The band sounded terrific and his musicianship was incredible.

In the Pit

First, I was not selected my senior year for the musical. I had been in the all-school musical the three years prior, but not in my senior year.  I had my “one line,” as a junior, and was hoping this would be the year out of the chorus. There was NO chorus in the musical my senior year, so I did not get a part and I was not in the show. Being a musical theater person this is devastating, since the summer before I decided that music was my field. I really don’t know how it happened, but Mr. Spreister had me sit next to him in the pit and do to cues for the pit orchestra. I actually felt important. Looking back I am sure it was a job that was added and no one before or after me did this job. But, while I was doing this job, I felt important. I think he knew how much I wanted to be in the show and found a place for me.

Independent Study

Since music was to be my field, I had taken music theory my junior year and was planning on taking a second year of music theory, however, not enough students signed up, so the class was not offered. So, instead I took a fourth year of Math. It was completely over my head, so I dropped it mid-year. I asked Mr. Spriester if I could take an independent study on music theory, of course he said “yes.”  I had seventh period free and so did he, so we set up a weekly appointment.  The year before we analyzed about 10 of Bach’s motets. I would finish the book of 200 and study Grout’s “History of Music.” I was  a duck in water, I swam! I loved the independence of my own program of study and to my surprise I loved analyzing the Bach motets, it was like a math puzzle. (I know even back then I was an “odd duck..” This independent study allowed me to be one of the top music theory students at The Ohio State University and it was the start of my love of music history. Today, my main focus in my classroom is composition and the Composer Collaboration Project has developed into an award-winning project.

North Shore Band and Northwestern University

He didn’t talk a lot about it, but he continued to play trumpet in the North Shore Band. As a young musician, this was important to me that my own teacher was part of this outstanding performing band. This is a world renowned organization and at the time was founded and directed by John Paynter, the director of Bands at Northwestern University. We, as a high school band,  also participated the yearly Northwestern Football game during half-time and  would march/play on “band day.” These two things showed the character of Mr. Spriester, his musicianship and giving high school students additional opportunities outside the traditional classroom.

He also started the Deerfield Community Band. So, he also gave back to the community.  I don’t really know how did it, in the fall he worked six days, (since on Saturdays we had to be at school by noon and stayed until the 5 on home games) participated in the North Shore Band, directed his own band, and even talked about additional “gigs” he had on the weekends. Oh, yes he was department chair and taught all day, had jazz bands, and was musical director for the musical. Additionally, he scripted all the marching band shows. We did a different show each home game and this was before computer programs, they were all handwritten, typed, copied, and passed out to the entire band. Today, marching bands have ONE show and the show is conceived on the computer.

In conclusion, I wasn’t the most talented student, just one of those students that we teach every day. But what Mr. Spriester was for me in high school was that he set a high bar of excellence in everything thing I did in music. He allowed me to be creative, make mistakes, and then said “yes,” if I they had an idea or suggestion. Thanks Mr. Spriester being one of best musicians, as well as teachers I had – Happy Birthday Al! Enjoy your 80th birthday!

Tags: al spriester, Alspriester, Carol Broos, CarolBroos, Deerfield High School, Northwestern, Northwestern University

David Wonder Playing a Conch

I just got back from an amazing day with Mr. David Wonder a sixth, seventh, and eighth grade general music teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School in Frankfort, Illinois. I met David at an IMEA conference, his energy and commitment to ALL students really shown through. He connects with the students and “allows” his students to excel in their passions. During the lunch period a couple of his seventh graders who had written some songs performed for me. They also have posted the video on school tube. This is talented group of students with a concern about Global events and problems. Take a listen to this; it will blow you away with the harmonies and message it brings.

It got me to thinking, what really matters in middle school is the connection we make to our students. Dave and I have a few seconds (actually, two minutes, you know students in for lunch, students dropping by, six classes…) to discuss how “cool” it is to teach music to ALL the students in a general music environment. We see the entire school, and for most students, we are the last music teacher that many of them will have. He offers an incredible opportunity for his students to learn the guitar, drumming, composing, and much more. He is has a drum set in the back of the room and “allows” any student to play it while the rest of the class performs the guitar songs, then another student sings on a mic and he accompanies the entire group on his guitar with an amp. The students are completely taken in.

Then, I got to play drums, I have NEVER played drums in my life, through his guidance, he created a safe place to get me out of my comfort zone. I have a video of it and will post it as soon as I can.

General music at Hickory Creek Middle School is magnificent. Students are engaged and eager to learn and create. He is another “yes” teacher whenever a student has an idea for a musical project. What a fabulous day!

Tags: DavidWonder, Musicteacher