Mr. Barton believes that music education plays a key role 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 with the Prairie Brass Band and the Wheaton Municipal Band. 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 Wesbite and Mr. Barton’s Band Blog.

Mrs. Hayes believes that music can enrich one’s life in many different ways. Music offers many different opportunities to individuals who are willing to dedicate time and effort to its development and exploration. Whether this is through private lessons, joining an ensemble, or simply attending a concert, the effect that music can have on one’s life can be drastic and long lasting. Mrs. Hayes had an amazing junior high band director who instilled in her the love and enjoyment of music, and she hopes to pass that love on to all of her students.

Mrs. Hayes also believes that music education reinforces life skills that students learn in other areas of education. When students are learning a new instrument, they also learn the importance of practice, dedication and responsibility. Without theses skills, it is difficult to succeed at music or any other subject. In ensembles and chamber groups students learn how to work with others through cooperation and communication. These are life skills that will be strengthened and developed for future use in every area of life.

Mrs. Hayes lives in Woodridge with her husband and her cat, Miley. When she is not teaching, she plays the clarinet in her church orchestra and she loves to listen to many different styles of music. Some of her favorite pieces to listen to are Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony, and Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time”. She also likes to run and play tennis. If Mrs. Hayes was not a music teacher, she would probably be a marine biologist because she loves the ocean and marine life.

Parents can email Mrs. Hayes at Hayes@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

Students and parents can check out Mr. Richardson’s Online Music Class.

]]> 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.