2023 Director Changes

[Dan Balash 294]

Dwight Township, Genoa-Kingston and St. Joseph-Ogden are open.

[Dan Balash 294]

Marian Catholic Director of Bands Greg Bimm Announces Retirement
Bimm to Continue as a Consultant and in an Emeritus Role in Advancement

Chicago Heights, Ill. – March 29, 2023 – It is with mixed emotions that Marian Catholic High School announces the retirement of Director of Bands Greg Bimm.  Mr. Bimm, who has been a Marian Catholic staff member for 46 years and has led the Marian Catholic Marching Band to seven Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships and 42 state titles in class, will retire at the end of the current school year in June. Mr. Bimm will remain in an emeritus role in the advancement office, as well as serve as a consultant to the band program and write shows. The position for a new band director will be posted on the Marian Catholic website.

"Greg is a recognized trailblazer in high school and college marching bands, but he will never tell you that,” said Marian Catholic High School President Vince Krydynski, a 1981 graduate of the high school.  “He is the gold standard of what it means to be a gentleman and an educator of supreme dignity and grace. Greg has had a profound impact on nearly five decades of students. It’s always been more than producing beautiful music, mastering complex maneuvers, or winning awards. For Greg, it’s always been about teaching young people to take responsibility for their decisions and to constantly work to be better tomorrow than they are today.”

Bobby Lambert, Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and former Assistant Director of Bands at Marian Catholic, added, “Greg Bimm is not only legendary at Marian, but he is also prolific in the band world. He revolutionized student leadership and student care to a level unseen before. The vast majority of band directors employ systems or standards originated by Greg.”

Mr. Bimm joined the Marian Catholic staff in 1977 as the Director of Bands. During his 46 years, the school’s band program grew from 70 students to 300 students at its peak and earned a national reputation as one of the premier high school band programs in the United States. Under Mr. Bimm’s leadership, Marian Catholic has earned 1st Place in its class at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships every year since 1980, a 42-year winning streak that is unprecedented in any arena.  Last fall, the marching band received the highest scores in Class 3A in Illinois for Music Performance, Visual Performance and Effect. The Marian Catholic Marching Band has been named a BOA Grand National Champion seven times; BOA Summer National Champion five times; and BOA Class AA National Champion 23 times in 36 appearances, a record unmatched by any other high school band in the country. It has also performed in two Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the 2000 Presidential Inauguration Parade. The Marian Catholic Symphonic Band has been undefeated since 1981 at the State of the Art Catholic High School Band Contest. Marian has been named Honor Band in their class at the University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band a record 10 times.

“There is no way in just a few words to encapsulate my feelings of 46 years here at Marian. It has been everything and more than I envisioned for my career,” Mr. Bimm said. “Marian has always been so supportive of me, the band, and the arts in general. When you combine that support with intelligent, hardworking, upward- looking students and dedicated parents, you get a real recipe for success and a recipe for a very happy home for a band director! That said, time is inevitable,” Mr. Bimm added. “After much deep reflection, I know that this is the right time for me to step aside and allow new young talent to ‘run with the ball.’”

Current Assistant Director of Bands Jeremy Turner studied under Mr. Bimm when he was a student at Marian Catholic. He graduated from Marian Catholic in 2009. Mr. Turner said, “You never really stop being a student of Greg Bimm. Even as a colleague and a friend, you never stop learning from him.” When asked about the future of the band program, Mr. Turner commented, “Greg Bimm’s legacy is the lessons taught about empathy, humanity, responsibility and the relentless pursuit of excellence, lessons all taught through music, dance and art. Carrying on that legacy will always start with continuing to build good people.”

While retiring as Director of Bands, Mr. Bimm will continue to serve as a consultant for the band program and write shows. Additionally, Mr. Bimm will have a part-time, emeritus position within the advancement office, where he will engage the community and advise on special initiatives.

“The emeritus role allows Marian Catholic to recognize and thank Greg for his 46 years of service and affords him the opportunity to remain connected to the school and the thousands of people he knows through the Marian Catholic Bands,” President Krydynski said. “His willingness to serve as an emeritus is a huge blessing.”

Mr. Lambert added, “Now Greg embarks on another journey to continue helping Marian to thrive while also imparting his knowledge and experience directly to programs across the country. Marian will always feel the influence of this great teacher, as will the profession of music education.”

Plans are being finalized to raise funds to create the first-ever endowed position at Marian Catholic in Mr. Bimm’s name. The endowment would fund the Director of Bands position, demonstrating Marian Catholic’s commitment to the band program and ensuring its strength for years to come. Any other plans to recognize Mr. Bimm and the accomplishments of the Marian Catholic Bands will be shared at a later date with alumni and friends of the program.

About Greg Bimm
As a young band director, Mr. Bimm received the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) Stanbury Award (1983). In addition to being elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 1994 and being the first high school band director in 25 years to be invited to conduct the Illinois All-State Band in 1995, Mr. Bimm was among the first to be awarded the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence by the Illinois Music Educators Association (1999).  He received the Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1991 and 1997, and in 2005, was inducted into the Music for All Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on music education in America.  In 2006 he was named a Lowell Mason Fellow by the National Association for Music Education and was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2010.  He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 2010 and was the first active band director awarded the Chicagoland Music Educator John Paynord Lifetime Achievement Award (2013). Mr. Bimm was also the first recipient of the Fine Arts Achievement Award in Marian Catholic’s Hall of Fame.

Mr. Bimm holds degrees from Illinois State and Western Illinois Universities and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music Education from the Vandercook College of Music. In addition to his role as Director of Bands, Mr. Bimm has performed as conductor, clinician, adjudicator, drill writer, and music arranger throughout the United States and Canada. Professional affiliations include the American Bandmasters Association, the American School Band Directors Association, the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), the National Association for Music Education, the National Catholic Band Association, the National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha. He has served on the Illinois High School Association Music Advisory Committee, and has served as Band Division chairman, District I and state equipment manager for ILMEA.

[StillRain1 1]

We are grateful for the four years we had with him. Our daughter leaves this year with him.

[Dan Balash 294]

Assistant position open at Morton.

[ILFollower 2]

Huntley's band director position is now open. After 5 years with Huntley, the current director's future whereabouts are unknown. 

[Dan Balash 294]

Oswego East Assistant Director position is open.

[BandDaddyO 1]

Any likely candidates to fill those BIG shoes at Marian?

[Dan Balash 294]

On 5/9/2023 at 10:48 AM, BandDaddyO said:

Any likely candidates to fill those BIG shoes at Marian?

Yes.  

[Dan Balash 294]

Marian Catholic has hired Steven Pyter as Director of Bands.  

 

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Marian Catholic High School is thrilled to introduce Steven Pyter as our new Director of Bands. With his exceptional talent and passion for music education, composition, and arrangement, Steven brings a wealth of experience to this esteemed position.

Steven's journey began in 2007, and since then, he has taught a diverse range of instrumental, vocal, and general music classes at the high school level. Most recently, he served as the Choral Director and Assistant Band Director at Joliet Township School District 204, where he made a significant impact. Steven holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State University and a Master of Music degree in Composition from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Throughout his career, Steven has achieved remarkable success, leading multiple award-winning ensembles and earning recognition for his outstanding contributions to music education. His compositions and arrangements for concert and marching bands have been performed across the United States, including prestigious events like the Midwest Clinic and the Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival at Orchestra Hall.

Retiring Director of Bands Greg Bimm expressed his confidence in Steven's abilities, stating, "Steve Pyter is the perfect choice for the next chapter in the Marian Catholic Band legacy. He has built and erected fine and successful marching and concert programs including finalist performances at the State Marching Band Championship and performing at the University of Illinois Superstate Festival. He will bring a wealth of experience and ideas as well as positive energy. The most important thing to me, personally, is that Steve Pyter is a wonderful human being and will bring that great humanity with him to Marian Catholic. The band will be in very good hands!”

Please join us in welcoming Steven Pyter to the Marian Catholic family! We look forward to an extraordinary journey of musical growth and achievement under his exceptional leadership.

 

[Dan Balash 294]

Morton has hired John Gonzalez as the assistant band director.

John Gonzalez is a conductor and music educator originally from Calumet City, Illinois – a south suburb of Chicago. Prior to starting his service as Assistant Band Director at Morton High School and Morton Junior High, he served as a graduate teaching assistant at Illinois State University where he assisted with all aspects of the band program. His duties included assisting with the Big Red Marching Machine, Pep Band, undergraduate conducting courses, and guest

conducting the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and University Band.
 
Prior to attending Illinois State University, Mr. Gonzalez was the Director of Bands and Choirs at Easton Valley High School in Preston, Iowa. Under his
leadership, the music department quickly became more active and student participation in all ensembles more than doubled. While at EVHS, he also served as the musical director and assistant play director in the theatre department. He is also active as a private trombone instructor for students of all ages and skill levels
and was previously on staff in the private lesson program through the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in Davenport, Iowa.
 
Mr. Gonzalez earned a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a minor in Jazz
Studies from Western Illinois University. Additional honors include being awarded the CBDNA Mike Moss Conducting Fellowship and a DFI Fellowship
by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. His primary teachers include Dr. Anthony Marinello, Dr. Mike Fansler, John Mindeman, Andy Hoefle, and Joe Malik.

Mr. Gonzalez is passionate about music education and takes pride in knowing how to establish a classroom and rehearsal environment that is both safe and
conducive to student learning and creativity. His philosophy for teaching and learning includes being kind, consistent, firm, and fair with students to build
relationships that help shape and develop them as both lifelong learners and upstanding members of our community.

 

[Dan Balash 294]

Looks like Farmington Central is open.

[Dan Balash 294]

Marian percussion director position is open.

[ILFollower 2]

Huntley's former director, Kevin Krivosik, has announced in an email to students that he was hired as Director of Bands at Barrington. Huntley has not announced a replacement yet.

I expect Barrington to field a competitive band very soon. 

[ILFollower 2]

Huntley has hired Daniel Jack, from Winnebago Schools, as Director of Bands.

 

Source: BOE Personnel Report

[drillwriter 20]

Just saw: Tim Gray to Bourbon County 

[Dan Balash 294]

On 6/18/2023 at 12:19 PM, drillwriter said:

Just saw: Tim Gray to Bourbon County 

I was shocked when I saw that, because:

A.) That's a heck of a hire for BoCo.  Bourbon had hired someone else, but he (and I think there was an assistant as well) both backed out for other jobs.

B.) I was assuming that he was just going to design/clinic/judge this season.

[drillwriter 20]

20 hours ago, Dan Balash said:

I was shocked when I saw that, because:

A.) That's a heck of a hire for BoCo.  Bourbon had hired someone else, but he (and I think there was an assistant as well) both backed out for other jobs.

B.) I was assuming that he was just going to design/clinic/judge this season.

So Tim had already left Morton, without a new director job? 

[Dan Balash 294]

52 minutes ago, drillwriter said:

So Tim had already left Morton, without a new director job? 

Yes.  I believe he left somewhere in 2nd semester.  Morton performed at the National Concert Band Festival, he's listed in the program, didn't direct the band - Craig Hatter/Katrina Fitzpatrick did.  Wasn't in any of the photos posted in the Morton Facebook group either.

I am aware of a job interview he had recently that he did not get.

[Dan Balash 294]

Jeremy Sison has been hired as the Assistant Band Director at Oswego East.

Quote

We are very excited to welcome Mr. Jeremy Sison as the new Associate Director of Bands here at Oswego East (pending board approval).

Jeremy Sison recently attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a master’s of music degree in wind band conducting and studied with Dr. Kevin Geraldi and Dr. Stephen Peterson. He served as a graduate teaching assistant with the Illinois Bands, supervised the band library, and conducted the UI clarinet choir. He also played bass clarinet in the Wind Symphony and studied clarinet with Dr. Iura de Rezende. Previously, he was a band director at Bowling Green Middle School and High School in Bowling Green, Ohio where he taught 6th-12th grade band for eight years. Mr. Sison received his bachelor of music education degree with a minor in wind conducting from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where he studied trombone with Professor M. Dee Stewart.

A native of the Chicago Suburbs, Mr. Sison grew up in Glendale Heights and attended Glenbard East High School. As a trombonist and multiple woodwind player, he’s played in community pit orchestras, the Bowling Green Community Band, the Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble, and the Wheaton Municipal Band. Outside of music, he enjoys traveling, playing tennis, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Sison is extremely excited to work with the Oswego East High School band students and join the Wolfpack!

 

[Dan Balash 294]

William Lawton has been hired as Director of Percussion at Marian Catholic.

William Lawton is a percussionist and music educator based in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Born in 1999, William has been a member of numerous musical groups in the area. His playing range spreads from classical percussion to marching percussion and even drumset of numerous styles. During, his time studying for his Bachelor in Music Education at Illinois State University, William has been a member of different marching organizations such as the WGI group, Pi Percussion, and the Chicago Bulls Drumline, Stampede. William has also been on tours with both concert bands and orchestras throughout the United States and in the countries of Greece and Germany. 

[Dan Balash 294]

Felix Ponce has been hired at Richards.

 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-felix-ponce-justin-antos-st-0724-20230721-2hkbqelzlrdshlfdc66ry4qkva-story.html

[Dan Balash 294]

Rich Chapman is co-director of bands at Glenbrook North.  He retired from there in 2018, and is back.

[Dan Balash 294]

Forgot to post about this:  Christopher Buti retired from Rolling Meadows at the end of last school year.  Elliott Hile (formerly at Lakes Community) is the new head director.