Jackson Area Bands
Jackson Middle School
301 W. Jackson St.
Villa Park IL 60181
Director: Joe Koppel
Jackson Area Bands service the students of Jackson Middle School and the 3 Elementary 'feeder' schools: Ardmore, Westmore, and York Center in the community of Villa Park, IL. Instruction begins in the 4th grade (Jackson Area Preparatory Band) where the following instruments are offered: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion. In students's second year they participate in the Jackson Area Intermediate Band. Each of these groups meet one day per week after school for full rehearsal at Jackson. Elementary band students also receive one group lesson per week at their elementary school.
The Jackson Concert Band is mostly 6th grade students who rehearse before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Jackson Symphonic Band is the most advanced group in the program rehearsing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays before school. Each of these students also receive one group lesson per week during the school day.
The Jackson Jazz Lab is an after school music ensemble for the study and performance of jazz music. Students receive instruction in jazz styling, guided listening experiences from great Jazz Artists, and an introduction to improvisation.
About the Director:
Mr. Koppel grew up in Pittsburgh PA and is a 1993 graduate of University of Dayton. At UD Mr. Koppel served as Fraternal Education Officer and President of the University Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Professional Mens Music Fraternity. Mr. Koppel was the 1993 University Concerto Competition Winner and was Field Commander of the 'Pride of Dayton' Marching Band.
Mr. Koppel's first teaching position was teaching 5-12 bands at Colonel Crawford schools in rural, North Robinson, OH. After getting married and moving to the Chicago-area in 1996, Mr. Koppel taught beginning band in Grayslake IL.
Mr. Koppel has been the Director of Bands at Jackson Middle School since 1998. He directs the Jackson Area Preparatory and Intermediate Bands, the Jackson Concert and Symphonic Bands, and the Jackson Jazz Lab. Under his direction, the Jackson Symphonic Band has consistently earned Division I ratings at District and State Level Contests. In 2012 the Jackson Symphonic Band was chosen to perform at the prestigious University of Illinois SuperState Band Festival and in 2015 was designated ‘Honors’ Status at IGSMA State Contest.
Mr. Koppel completed his Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in 2001 and Type 75 Administrative Certification from North Central College in 2008. He has served in several leadership roles in District 45 including Music Department Chairperson and Fine and Practical Arts Team Leader. Mr. Koppel has served as a mentor teacher in District 45, IGSMA Mentor Program, and hosted nearly a dozen student teachers in his tenure. He often facilitates and adjudicates Solo and Ensemble and Organizational Contests in the Chicago-area and currently has serves as the IGSMA District VII CoChair.
Quinlan & Fabish
The recommended instrument provider is our friends at the Quinlan & Fabish Music Company. They have all the materials and experience needed for students to be successful in their school band. You can find their website here:
Quinlan & Fabish Music Company
