Mr. Ball
Classroom Page
About Me
Illinois Wesleyan University
I graduated cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Music Education. I was a vocal major, piano and organ minor, played percussion in Band, Violin in Orchestra, in the percussion ensemble, and upright Bass is Jazz Band.
I went to high school at Grayslake Community High School, about an hour north of Chicago, IL. I was a part of their "Encore!" theatre club and was a Thespian. I was in Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Honors Varisty Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Honors Band, and Orchestra as well. My senior year I was chosen to conduct the band at the All State music conference in a modern musical concept called, "Sound Painting".
Post Bachelors: I have taken additional classes at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, IL for continuing to master this art form known as "music Teacher." Might one day even put it towards a masters.
Accolades
2022 - HSMTA - Best Hair/Make-up
2021 - Best Musical for AZ State Thespians - "Spelling Bee"
2019 - HSMTA: Best Musical, Best Sound, Best supporting Actor, Best Dancer, Best set/props, Best Hair/Make-up
2018 - HSMTA: Best Sound
2016 - Best Play for AZ State Thespians
2015 - Runner-up Yavapai County Teacher of the Year
2015 - HSMTA - Best Lead Female, Best Dancer, Honorable Mention, Best Sound, Best Hair/Make-up, ASU Leadership Award
2014 - Northern Arizona Theatre Teacher of the Year
2014 - Best Play for AZ State Thespians
2009, 2010, 2011 - Best Theatre in the Valley by "Kudos"
Favorites
A chocolate pinata - who wouldn't love that?! My taste in music is expansive - from Bach and Beethoven to Music Theatre, pop, jazz, rock, and rap. Beyond music and theatre, I played intramural basketball in college and played baseball and soccer up through high school. While music is my passion, I always encourage others to find theirs - no matter what it entails. I love to bake and cook when I have the time.
Favorite Movies: Love Actually, Homeward Bound, Marvel Movies
Favorite Books: Les Miserables, and every book by Frank McCourt and Mitch Albom.
Favorite Classical Piece - Holst's "Planets" or most everything from Tchaikovsky.
Favorite Food - Italian
Favorite Dish - Spaghetti with Cuddle Fish in a black ink sauce
Favorite Desert - Hot fudge brownies a la mode
Favorite Musical - In the Heights
Favorite Shakespeare Tragedy - Macbeth
Favorite Shakespeare Comedy - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Favorite Play - August: Osage County
In your free time, be sure to check out the MUHS Civics Day Page as well!