McCracken Middle School Band » News and Announcements

Summary of 2008 Presidential Candidates Arts Positions

Chip De Stefano — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:14:07 +0000

ArtsVote.org has just released a sheet summarizing Barak Obama’s and John McCain’s positions on arts education: Summary of 2008 Presidential Candidates Arts Positions

In memorium: Leo Henning

Chip De Stefano — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:41:16 +0000

I just learned today that Leo Henning passed away just over a month ago. Mr. Henning taught for 58 years as band director at Little Flower, Mt. Carmel, Leo, Brother Rice and St. Laurence high schools, as well as several Chicago elementary schools.

- Leo Henning, Longtime Band Director, 85, Dies [Southwest News Hearald]
- Online memorial [Legacy.com]

2008-2009 Calendar

Chip De Stefano — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:34:01 +0000

It’s still slightly tentative, but the 2008-2009 Band Calendar has been posted.

Someone You Should Know

Chip De Stefano — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:27:58 +0000

UPDATE: Video Posted

Congratulations to our very own Tom O’Brien, Social Studies teacher at McCracken Middle School for the last 49 years (yes, 49 years), for being featured on Harry Porterfield’s segment Someone You Should Know on WLS-TV (ABC) tonight.

The transcript of the feature is on their website. Hopefully they’ll place the video online soon as well. It’s a very well deserved honor and tribute to Mr. O’Brien who has given so much to the children of our district for almost five decades!

Middleton Talent Show

Chip De Stefano — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:35:51 +0000

Many 4th and 5th grade band students performed their instruments at today’s Middleton Elementary School Talent Show.

Congratulations!

2008 Midwest Clinic Clinicians Announced

Chip De Stefano — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:39:38 +0000

The Midwest Clinic just announced the clinicians for the 2008 conference. Once again, Illinois is very well represented by a wide variety of sessions:

Improving Your Clarinet Section, Top to Bottom
J. Lawrie Bloom

A New Approach to Developing Musicianship: Drawing the Common Thread Throughout Your Rehearsal Using the Right Materials and Teaching Strategies
James Curnow, Joseph Manfredo

Preparing Your Ensemble for Expressive Performance
Robert Sheldon

Sound Reinforcement and Recording of Jazz and Large Ensembles - Practical and Easy to Use Basic and Advanced Ideas
Jim Warrick, Scott Bauer, Mark Morette, Scott Steiner

Four Centuries of Masterworks for Brass Ensemble
Gail Williams

and of course:

Beyond Their Years: Tone, Intonation and the Young Band
Chip De Stefano

Also, congratulations to two of Mr. De Stefano’s friends who also had sessions accepted to next year’s Midwest Clinic:

Digital Recording in Rehearsal: Cheap and Simple
Rick Dammers

Fixing the Front Row: Troubleshooting Your Flute Section
Julie Hobbs

McCracken Band Alum Featured in The Music Trades

Chip De Stefano — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:24:44 +0000

This is from last November, but I just discovered it today. McCracken Middle School Band Alum Mike Balter was the subject of an article entitled “Shaping the Sound of Percussion for 30 Years” in a recent The Music Trades. It’s a fascinating look not only into Mike’s career but into the mallet making business as well.

2008 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award

Chip De Stefano — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:02:31 +0000

Quinlan and Fabish recently announced the winners of the 2008 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award. Congratulations to these very deserving teachers:

Debbie Darnell – Merrillville Intermediate School (Merrillville, IN)
Jim Deal – Crown Point HS (Crown Point, IN)
Jim Garbrecht – Hawthorn MS South (Vernon Hills)
John Harshey –West Oak MS (Mundelein)
Bryan Miller – East Leyden HS (Franklin Park)
Brayer Teague – Downers Grove North HS (Downers Grove).

2009 IMEA All-State Band

Chip De Stefano — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:16:28 +0000

Congratulations to Mr. Morrison for being invited to guest conduct the 2009 Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band.

The complete list of guest conductors can be found at the IMEA website.

Hill Country Middle School Band Webcast

Chip De Stefano — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:24:19 +0000

The fabulous Hill Country MIddle School Band under the direction of Cheryl Floyd performing their spring concert May 13, 2008, 7:30 PM (Central) at the University of Texas. This performance is being webcast by the UT School of Music. Particularly exciting is that the Hill Country Symphonic Band, who performed at the Midwest Clinic in 1998 and 2006, will be presenting the world premier of Undertow by John Mackey. Mr. Mackey’s works have really taken the band world by storm the last couple of years. This is his first work for young band (although it’s still very difficult!).

Be sure to check out what will certainly be a fabulous concert!