This will be Mr. Barton’s fifth year with Band for Today. Previously, he has experience teaching in the School District of Philadelphia and the Clarke County School District (Athens, GA). Mr. Barton graduated from Millersville University (PA) in 2003 with a B.S. in music education and from Ithaca College in 2005 with a M.M. in trombone performance.

Mr. Barton believes that music education plays a key roll in academic… Click here to continue reading.

Ms. Helstad is excited to teach with Band for Today! She has previously taught general music in Chicago, middle school band and choir in Minnesota, and middle school band and choir in Nevada. She also served as an adjunct professor of saxophone at the University of Nevada-Reno for two years before moving back to the Midwest. Ms. Helstad received her Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music Education… Click here to continue reading.

Mr. Portillo is a Chicago native who graduated from Trinity College (IL) with a degree in Music Education, and an Instrumental minor; he also studied saxophone with Jarrard Harris. While at Trinity, Mr. Portillo was involved with the Symphonic Band (saxophone section leader and president), Concert Choir (bass section leader), Philharmonic Orchestra (Percussion Section leader), Jazz Ensemble (lead saxophone), and Handbell Choir. Before teaching with Band For Today, Mr. Portillo… Click here to continue reading.

Darian Potempa has been with Band for Today for ten years. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign with a Bachelor in Music Education.

Darian thinks that music is an integral part of a student’s education. Working together with the teacher and other students can build self esteem and confidence. She feels that music is a versatile education tool. It can teach self discipline as well… Click here to continue reading.

Mr. Richardson is currently teaching beginning band and piano in the Chicago area. Previously he was performing trombone on a cruise ship with Royal Caribbean. He studied Instrumental and General Music Education (K-12) and received his degree from Ball State University. His primary instrument is the trombone, and he also plays some guitar.

Mr. Richardson believes that music is a positive experience in every child’s life. Music provides children… Click here to continue reading.

Ms. Semph is Band For Today’s newest addition to the teaching staff. She graduated from Lawrence University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education. During her time at Lawrence, Ms. Semph performed in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Lawrence Symphony Orchestra. Ms Semph’s primary instrument is the flute, but began taking piano lessons when she was in third grade.

It is Ms. Semph’s… Click here to continue reading.

Mrs. Yanong is in her eighth year teaching with Band for Today. Prior to teaching with Band for Today Mrs. Yanong worked in youth ministry in Chicago and taught high school band and choir in Warrensburg, Illinois. Mrs. Yanong received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Mrs. Yanong is passionate about all students having the opportunity to participate in a musical ensemble. Being… Click here to continue reading.