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

2023 - HSMTA - Best Hair/Make-up, Best Costumes, Best Supporting Actor

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