Michael Block (He/Him/His)

Director of Bands – Jones College Prep

About Mr. Block

With over 13 years of experience teaching instrumental music, Michael Block is passionate about helping students develop their musical skills and love for performance. A first-generation college graduate, he earned degrees in Music Education and Music Performance (Jazz Studies) from Eastern Illinois University.

Revitalizing the Jones College Prep Band Program

Since 2018, Mr. Block has been dedicated to transforming the Jones College Prep Band Program. Through extensive grant writing, he has replaced nearly all of the school’s aging instruments, making the Jones band room one of the best-equipped in Chicago.

Some of the New Additions Include:

• New Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trombones and Percussion Instruments

• Professional Ludwig Maple Classic drum set with pro hardware and cymbals

• 90" digital display and JBL pro audio system

• Yamaha "sfz" Marching Drumline Set

• Full class set of electric guitars

• $20,000 Yamaha marimba, new sousaphones, and professional drum kits

• Wireless audio workstation with Shure microphones and touchscreen mixer

• Two vintage Hammond organs

…and he’s still adding more.

Student Opportunities & Partnerships

Mr. Block has helped build strong partnerships with organizations like Ravinia Jazz Mentors, the Chicago Jazz Institute, and Columbia College, giving students access to workshops and masterclasses with some of Chicago’s most respected jazz musicians, including:

• Pat Mallinger

• Pharez Whitted

• Audrey Morrison

• Ernie Adams

• Eric Hynes

• Dennis Carroll

• Richard Johnson

• Marques Carroll

Notable Performances & Travel

Under his leadership, Jones musicians have had the opportunity to perform on major stages. Some recent highlights include:

• Chicago Jazz Festival – a major milestone for the program

• California Heritage Fest in Los Angeles – with unforgettable stops at Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios, and Disneyland

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, Mr. Block is an active musician, composer, and arranger, performing across Chicago. He plays lead tenor saxophone with the Horner Park Jazz Big Band and Triton College Jazz Band and performs with bands such as:

• Just the 80’s

• The Gold Coast All-Stars

• The Connexion Band

• The Andrew Blake Band

• Beyer Entertainment

In addition, he is a professional stagehand with the Internation Alliance of Theatrical Stage Workers, helping produce live events at Lollapalooza, NASCAR Chicago, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and the United Center. Over the years, he has worked on major productions for artists such as:

• Billy Joel

• The Rolling Stones

• Pearl Jam

• Blink-182

• Justin Timberlake

• Skrillex

Looking Ahead

Mr. Block is committed to continuing to grow the Jones College Prep Band Program and creating even more opportunities for students. He is passionate about helping young musicians find their voice, develop their talent, and perform at the highest level.

📌 Learn more in his [Digital Teaching Portfolio]!

Partnerships

Mr. Block has helped build incredible partnerships with organizations like Ravinia Jazz Mentors, the Chicago Jazz Institute, and Columbia College, giving students access to workshops and masterclasses with some of Chicago’s most respected jazz musicians, including:

• Pat Mallinger

• Pharez Whitted

• Audrey Morrison

• Ernie Adams

• Eric Hynes

• Dennis Carroll

• Richard Johnson

• Marques Carroll

Notable Performances & Travel

Under his leadership, Jones musicians have had the opportunity to perform on big stages. Some highlights include:

• Chicago Jazz Festival – a major milestone for the program

• California Heritage Fest in Los Angeles – with unforgettable stops at Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios, and Disneyland!

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, Mr. Block is an active musician, composer, and arranger, performing across Chicago. He plays lead tenor saxophone with the Horner Park Jazz Big Band and Triton College Jazz Band, and performs with bands like:
Just the 80’s, The Gold Coast All-Stars, The Connexion Band, The Andrew Blake Band, and Beyer Entertainment.

On top of that, he’s also a professional stagehand with IATSE Local 2, helping produce live events at Lollapalooza, NASCAR Chicago, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and the United Center. Over the years, he’s worked on major shows for artists like:
Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Blink-182, Justin Timberlake, Skrillex & more.

Looking Ahead

Mr. Block is committed to continuing to grow the Jones College Prep Band Program and creating even more opportunities for students. He is passionate about helping young musicians find their voice, develop their talent, and perform at the highest level.

 Learn more in his [Digital Teaching Portfolio]!