Performing Arts – Page 31

In hazing lawsuit, Florida university responds bluntly

By Paul Katula • Sep 11, 2012

Florida A&M University's lawyers argue the taxpayers of Florida should not be made to pay for an "imprudent, avoidable, and tragic decision" of a drum major in the school's famed "Marchin 100" band who submitted himself to hazing and died from the injuries.

Washington Marching Panther Invitational pics

By Paul Katula • Sep 8, 2012

The Washington Marching Panther Invitational is a marching band competition, completed earlier today at Washington Community High School near Peoria, Ill.

Lancer Joust kicks off season for Chicago-area bands

By Paul Katula • Sep 8, 2012

The 34th annual Lake Park Lancer Joust is a marching band competition, completed earlier today in northwest-suburban Roselle, Ill.

A teacher, of music and more, honored by generations

By Paul Katula • Sep 3, 2012

Jerry Swanson, former choir director at Elk Grove HS (and before that, Forest View HS), will return to direct generations of his former students in a concert on Nov. 25.

Balinese instruments, rap music promote learning

By Paul Katula • Sep 1, 2012

The arts can be an effective way to help kids learn because it forces them to engage actively in the learning process. In addition, the arts, especially certain performance genres, more than technology, promote activity levels that kids need to stay healthy.

New Naperville superintendent gets heat for non-report

By Paul Katula • Aug 31, 2012

Naperville District 203's new superintendent is hearing charges from state DCFS officials that he acted improperly when he was a principal by not reporting a situation involving suspected sexual assault of a female student by a band director.

Illinois band directors' responses about a state marching band championship

By Paul Katula • Aug 31, 2012

Results from the marching band state championship survey are inconclusive, but we expect the IHSA to get their numbers for participation in a state series and move forward in the next year or two. I wish we could drag their feet, but it won't happen.

IMEA 'exploring options' for contest-like events

By Paul Katula • Aug 28, 2012

The board of directors at the Illinois Music Educators Association is hearing about a state championship series in marching band and show choir, possibly to be run by the IHSA. They're "exploring options," we're told, for "contest-like events." No more specific details are available.

Univ of Iowa marching band to conduct open rehearsal at Downers Grove North

By Paul Katula • Aug 22, 2012

An open rehearsal, free to the public, will be conducted at DG North HS on Saturday, Sept. 1. Something to check out if you're thinking about marching band in college—or if you just want to experience this fabulous Big 10 marching ensemble.

Summary of early responses in our Illinois marching band state championship survey

By Paul Katula • Aug 3, 2012

Very few people have responded so far to a survey created by us and Illinois Marching Online, but we report that about half the band directors in Illinois would not like to see a state championship series sponsored by the IHSA, and the other half aren't sure IHSA should run it. Not enough responses yet to reach any conclusions, so we're keeping the survey open for a while longer.