Andrew Beckwith is in his seventh year as Band Director at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. He directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Blue Regiment Marching Band, Musical Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, and teaches class piano and Music Lab. Mr. Beckwith previously was the Associate Band Director at Lockport Township High School for seven years where he directed four concert ensembles in addition to numerous other groups. He earned his Bachelor's Degree with Highest Honors from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Master's of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music, and Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Mr. Beckwith has conducted at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference, and served the Illinois Music Education Association as the District 1 Band Representative and Honors Band Chair.

Email: abeckwith@maine207.org

Phone: 847.692.8347

Anetta Fortner is thrilled to be returning to Maine East Bands as Assistant Marching Band Director. As an alumna of Maine East, Anetta began her marching band journey in high school and continued playing in the marching band at Northwestern where she graduated in 2020. She also holds a Master's in Music Education from Butler University. She previously worked as an elementary and middle school band director in School District U-46 in Elgin and assistant directed the marching band at Streamwood High School. Anetta is also the Director of Bands at St. Viator High School.

Patrick Feehan is excited to join the Blue Regiment Marching Band this year as the Drumline Instructor! He graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. During his time at NEIU, he performed with the Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble, and taught private lessons through Signature Sounds School of Music. He was honored to be named a 2024 winner of the Elyse J. Mach Concerto Competition for his performance of Ney Rosaro’s Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra. Currently, he performs regularly as a timpanist for the Harper Symphony Orchestra and a percussionist for the Wilmette Community Band. He is a passionate music educator who believes in the importance of band to help students grow into well rounded individuals who value teamwork and personal growth.

In his second year at Maine East, Christopher Mendez is thrilled to be stepping into a new role as the Brass Tech for the Blue Regiment! He jumped at the opportunity to work alongside Mr. Beckwith, sharing his passion for music and helping the talented students achieve a new level of performance. Christopher plays trombone for the Moraine Valley Community Band and can't wait to see what the students will accomplish this year!