Dan Balash Posted August 30, 2024 Share Posted August 30, 2024 Here's the ones that I remember: Alan B. Shepard: Kenneth George replaces Chris Pitlik, who retired. Bloomington: Jarrett DeFields replaces Pamela Kelly as the assistant director. She retired. Coal City: Aniie Ternes has been hired as the new director. DuQuoin: Ike Minton replaces Luke Schaffer, who is now at Morton. Galesburg: Andy Empey is now the head director at Morton. Dena Baity, former assistant director, is now the head director. She is joined by Kyle Barshinger, Matt Welch & Joanna Sieczka. Kaneland: Kyle Baltzer is now the assistant director (coming from Providence Catholic); Brock Feece is now the head director. Lemont: Ben Clemons is now the assistant director. He is replacing Matt Doherty, who has moved into administration at Lemont. Morton: Andy Empey is now the Co-Director of Bands with Katrina Fitzpatrick, Luke Schaffer is Assistant Director of Bands. Craig Hatter took a job at a middle school in the suburbs of Chicago. Naperville North: John Gonzalez (formerly of Morton) is now Co-Director of Bands here. Pontiac Township: Kevin Valois and Hailey Woock were hired to replace Scot Schickel, who retired. Yorkville: Bobby Vnizen and Justin Heinekamp (formerly of Sandwich) are now the directors here, replacing the retired Victor Anderson. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILFollower Posted September 1, 2024 Share Posted September 1, 2024 Also Huntley has changed as Tyler Guthrie (former assistant marching band director) has replaced Daniel Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruby Posted September 9, 2024 Share Posted September 9, 2024 Woohoo! John and Hailey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Averagetpt Posted September 16, 2024 Share Posted September 16, 2024 Justin Barnish left Lincoln-Way after last year and is now at Downers Grove South I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathi Gorrell Posted October 18, 2024 Share Posted October 18, 2024 For Mahomet-Seymour, Dylan Gray replaced Evan Bossenbroek. Michael Stevens is still here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted February 10 Author Share Posted February 10 Jordan Profitt has been hired to replace Todd Stalter (who is retiring) at Eureka for 2025-2026. That means his former school, Mater Dei is now accepting applications. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted May 6 Author Share Posted May 6 James Hairston will be joining Waubonsie Valley from Hendrickson in Texas, presumably as Director of Bands. Kevin Carroll is retiring, and there will be a SECOND opening for the 2026-2027 year as there will be another retirement. His biography from Hendrickson's site: Quote Originally from El Paso, Texas, Mr. Hairston earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces and a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance from The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, he performed as a member of the Texas Saxophone Ensemble and the UT Wind Ensemble. Mr. Hairston is currently the Director of Bands at Robert E. Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, Texas. Under his direction, the Hawk Band has consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes Awards in both marching and concert band contests. The Hendrickson Marching Band has been a UIL State Marching Band Finalist in 2021, 2023 and 2024 and gained national recognition as a Bands of America Grand National Finalist in 2022. Prior to his time at Hendrickson, Mr. Hairston served as Director of Bands at Lamar Middle School & Fine Arts Academy in Austin, Texas. During his tenure, the Jazz Ensemble was invited to perform at the 69th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, and the 8th Annual Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the 71st Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Mr. Hairston’s professional affiliations include the Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Jazz Education Network. Through his leadership, passion for music, and dedication to student success, Mr. Hairston continues to inspire excellence in music education. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted May 20 Author Share Posted May 20 Collinsville is open. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted May 20 Author Share Posted May 20 On 2/10/2025 at 9:29 AM, Dan Balash said: Jordan Profitt has been hired to replace Todd Stalter (who is retiring) at Eureka for 2025-2026. That means his former school, Mater Dei is now accepting applications. Mater Dei has hired Doug Schaffer as their new Director of Bands. He was formerly at St. Pius X Catholic, Wright City, Mark Twain and Laquey, all in Missouri. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted June 5 Author Share Posted June 5 O’Fallon Township High School is excited to welcome Stefan Roose as the new Assistant Director of Bands, as well as his wife, Stacy Roose, as a Consultant and Educator with the O’Fallon Township High School Colorguard! Stefan brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having previously served as Director of Bands at Lawrence North High School and Co-Director of the Marching Pride of Lawrence Township, as well as a Band Director with Avon Community Schools, all in Indiana. Stefan and Stacy both serve on the WGI Advisory Board and are the co-founders and directors at Elevate Performing Arts. Stefan serves on the Brass Staff for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and Stacy serves on the Tristate Marching Arts Board and is an active and sought-after designer and educator in the color guard world. Stefan is an accomplished tuba player, currently performing with the Army National Guard Bands, and formerly held the position of principal tubist with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest. Beyond the podium, Stefan enjoys running, coffee, and brunch with his wife. The Rooses love Disney World and frequently make trips there. Both are thrilled to be joining the O’Fallon community, where they look forward to continuing the school’s legacy of performance excellence while building a strong, healthy, and supportive culture for students and staff alike. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 Colin Curatolo is the new band director at Evergreen Park, replacing Ken Kazin, who retired after a 40 year career. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/08/ken-kazin-evergreen-park-retires/ Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAngryBavarian Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 Alton is open. Blake Korte is now the Director of Instrumental Music at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. Chuck Willard is still there as assistant director. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAngryBavarian Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Mascoutah is open Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Balash Posted June 23 Author Share Posted June 23 Carbondale is open. Dan Balash Submit your 2024 information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAngryBavarian Posted Monday at 11:53 PM Share Posted Monday at 11:53 PM Collinsville has hired former Mascoutah director Kyle Muskopf to fill their main director vacancy. Ryan Goetter is remaining as assistant director. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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