My Reflections of IMEA
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
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.”
Tags: All-state, Brenda Muench, Carol Broos, Debby Kayno, Greg Wojcik, Illinois All-state, IMEA, Kyle Freesen, Lori McCaskey
