Mr. Barton believes that music education plays a key roll in academic, social, and creative growth in a young person. It is an opportunity to express one’s uniqueness while enjoying time with peers who have similar interests. The teamwork required and the camaraderie that develops prepares a student for many of the challenges in life they may encounter (in music or any other profession). It is Mr. Barton’s goal to create these opportunities for teamwork so each child can grow into the most complete person they can be.

Currently, Mr. Barton plays trombone in the Wheaton Municipal Band and freelances in the Chicagoland area. Previously he had the opportunity to perform at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C. and the International Trombone Festival (2004) at Ithaca College. He has had the opportunities to study with some of the finest trombone players in the country from groups like the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. His favorite composers are Gustav Mahler and Johannes Brahms.

Parents can email Mr. Barton at Barton@bandfortoday.com

Students and parents can check out Mr. Barton’s Band Blog.

Ms. Helstad is excited to teach with Band for Today! This is her first year teaching with Band for Today but the 2010-2011 school year will be her 10th year as a music educator. 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 K-12 from Northwestern College (MN) and her Masters of Music degree in Woodwind Performance (saxophone emphasis) at the University of Idaho-Lionel Hampton School of Music. While at Northwestern College, Ms. Helstad was a member of the Symphonic Band (saxophone section leader, Band President), Jazz Ensemble (lead alto), Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and Woodwind Quintet (clarinet). At the University of Idaho, Ms. Helstad served as a graduate teaching assistant under Dr. Robert Miller where she taught undergraduate courses in Woodwind Methods, Music Appreciation, Applied Saxophone, and coached undergraduate saxophone quartets. She also was a member of the University of Idaho Wind Ensemble (saxophone section leader), Jazz Ensemble 1 (lead alto), and The University of Idaho Saxophone Quartet (alto and soprano saxophone).

Ms. Helstad’s passion for music education stems from her belief that all children, no matter their background, deserve a quality education…especially music education. Being a part of an ensemble builds skills that all children will need to lead successful lives. Students learn self-discipline, cooperation, teamwork, and build on academic skills. Students also develop a sense of community that will carry them throughout their entire life. Ms. Helstad strives to make each student feel as if they are an integral part of the band family.

Ms. Helstad has been a member of the Northshore Concert Band since 2006 and also teaches private lessons throughout the metro area. When she is not teaching or performing, Ms. Helstad is attending concerts! She enjoys all kinds of music but especially loves jazz and rock. Her favorites include Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, U2 and The Who.

Parents can email Ms. Helstad at Helstad@bandfortoday.com

There are many reasons why Mr. Portillo loves to teach music, like seeing his students excited when they conquer something that was once difficult, or watching the band rally around one person who may have had a difficult time. However, there is one personal reason that keeps things in perspective and keeps him grounded even in the most difficult of times. In a society where young people are neglected constantly, it leaves many young people feeling frustrated and misunderstood. Because of this, many young people turn to the wrong things, which could lead to life damaging results. Young people need to understand that their voices can and will be heard in every situation.

This is the main reason why Mr. Portillo loves to teach music. He believes that music empowers every person regardless of age, gender, or race. Music offers a positive and uplifting outlet and often proves to be an anchor in many people’s lives. Not to mention the qualities that playing an instrument or being a part of an ensemble provide, such as discipline, teamwork, cooperation, patience, and many other important life lessons.

When he is not teaching, Mr. Portillo enjoys listening to music of any genre and playing any type of game or sport, especially basketball. He continues to play his saxophone recreationally and teaches privately. Some of his favorite artists/composers are Charlie Parker, Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Shostakovich, Duke Ellington, Joshua Redman, Phil Woods, Tito Puente, Stan Getz, Eric Whitacre, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane. Mr. Portillo also drives stretch limousines on the weekends—just for fun!

Parents can email Mr. Portillo at Portillo@bandfortoday.com

Students and parents can check out Mr. Portillo’s Music Room.

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 as working together as a team.

Outside of teaching Darian enjoys playing clarinet in a woodwind/sting ensemble at the church she attends. She also enjoys participating in dog agility classes and trials with her papillon Samantha.

Mr. Richardson believes that music is a positive experience in every child’s life. Music provides children with a well-rounded education and improves their quality of life. He believes that every child has the capacity to make, listen to, and appreciate music. In the classroom, he hopes to nurture the musical intelligence of each of his students to develop their musicianship through meaningful experiences.

Mr. Richardson enjoys listening to big band jazz music (Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bob Mintzer) as well as movie soundtracks like Star Wars, Batman and Harry Potter. His favorite musician is the legendary trombonist J.J. Johnson. His favorite song is “Autumn Leaves.” He secretly wishes he could play the drums in a rock band.

Parents can email Mr. Richardson at Richardson@bandfortoday.com

]]> http://www.bandfortoday.com/mr-richardson/feed 0 http://www.bandfortoday.com/ms-semph http://www.bandfortoday.com/ms-semph#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:01:18 +0000 admin http://www.bandfortoday.com/?p=1474 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 belief that every student should have the opportunity to learn music. Music not only helps children grow intellectually, but encourages team work and instills a sense of responsibility. Not only that, music helps foster an appreciation for the arts and can quickly become a deep passion for life. Ms. Semph wants every student to have the best musical experience possible!

Outside of teaching music, Ms. Semph enjoys photography, running, and reading. Her favorite musical masterpiece is Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and she is also a big Billy Joel fan.

Parents can email Ms. Semph at Semph@bandfortoday.com

Mrs. Yanong is passionate about all students having the opportunity to participate in a musical ensemble. Being part of a musical ensemble gives students another avenue for growth and success in their lives, and develops skills such as communication, organization, leadership, and self-descipline just to name a few. Mrs. Yanong strives to help her students develop as musicians, but also as well rounded citizens in her classroom.

Outside of school Mrs. Yanong enjoys playing the French Horn and trumpet in church and at weddings. She listens to pop and classical music, but especially enjoys Broadway musicals and watching “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Parents can email Mrs. Yanong at Yanong@bandfortoday.com

Students and parents can check out Mrs. Yanong’s Music Blog.