Dear Parents,

Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Traughber Junior High Band Program.  Your decision to provide your child with a quality music experience is an investment in your child`s future. This page provides information, as well as answers, to many of the questions people have about the Traughber Band Program.

The Band Program

The Bands at Traughber Junior High School are part of a curricular music program. 

6th Grade Beginning Band

The 6th Grade Band is a beginning band class with instruction beginning during the summer prior to the current school year.  The beginning band will perform in four concerts throughout the year.  They will also be required to prepare and perform a solo for the Oswego 6th Grade Solo Recital.  The 6th-grade band class meets every day and is part of the student's daily academic routine at Traughber Junior High.

If a student in 7th or 8th grade who did not join the band in 6th grade desires to be in a band, that student must start with the beginning band students and will be placed in the 6th grade band for the school year.

A student moving into the Oswego school district with experience in band will perform an audition in order to determine proper placement in the band program.

Concert Band—2 semesters—Grade 7(675 Brass, 672 Percussion, 673 Woodwinds) -(click here for video) The Concert Band is a band class designed to provide students with an intermediate experience on band instruments. Concert Band is open to all 7th-grade students who have successfully completed Beginning Band or a similar course. In Concert Band, all of the skills and concepts learned in Beginning Band will be expanded upon, and the music selections will be of a higher difficulty level. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band program (during the summer prior to the start of the 7th grade year).  Student attendance at all performances and concerts is required to successfully complete the course. Students will have 1-3 required before-school rehearsals prior to each performance. The 7th Grade Concert Band will perform at four curricular school concerts, the Dist #308 Fine Arts Festival, one regional festival, a spring trip, and the solo recital. Select students will also have the opportunity to audition for the ILMEA District IX Festival Concert Band, ILMEA District IX Jazz Band, and the All-Illinois Junior Band. Any students who did not participate in the 6th grade band should contact the band directors for more information and instrument placement.

Full Band Rehearsals

All 6th & 7th Gr Band members will need to attend full band rehearsals prior to each concert for the purpose of rehearsing musical elements related to the coordination of the different sections of the band. Full Band Rehearsals will be held before or after school.

8th Grade Symphonic Band—2 Semesters-Grade 8 

Course Description:
The 8th Grade Symphonic Band is a daily, full-ensemble course designed to strengthen foundational and advancing instrumental skills in a supportive, collaborative setting. This ensemble is ideal for students who wish to continue developing their musicianship through high-quality repertoire and consistent daily instruction without the pressures of competition. The curriculum focuses on ensemble performance, music literacy, and personal growth, providing a rigorous yet accessible band experience for all students.

Key Features:

• No before- or after-school rehearsals required

• Daily in-class full ensemble rehearsals

• Focus on skill development, ensemble precision, and musical literacy

• Performances include:

  • October Concert

  • December Concert

  • March Concert

  • District Fine Arts Festival Band Contest

  • May Concert
    
    

This course is open to all 8th grade band students and requires regular practice, a commitment to ensemble participation, and a positive contribution to the classroom community.

Wind Ensemble (7th & 8th Grade)

Course Description:
The Wind Ensemble is an advanced auditioned ensemble for 7th and 8th grade band students seeking a more rigorous and performance-driven experience. Designed for highly motivated students, the Wind Ensemble provides an opportunity to perform challenging repertoire and participate in competitive festivals and events. Members will refine their technical skills, ensemble awareness, and musical expression in a focused, high-level learning environment.

Key Features:

• Audition required (see rubric and application for details)

• Select instrumentation

• Daily in-class rehearsals (no before- or after-school rehearsals)

• Emphasis on musical excellence, responsibility, and leadership

• Performances include:

  • October Concert

  • December Concert

  • March Concert

  • Fine Arts Festival Band Contest

  • Prairie State Concert Band Festival

  • SuperState Concert Band Festival (if invited)

  • May Concert

  • Recording Session
    
    

This ensemble is best suited for students who are ready to take on musical challenges, pursue excellence, and represent the Traughber Band program at the highest level.

Program Honors

The Traughber Band extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the following people who have worked with the band and contributed to the success of our students and band program.

Clinicians:

Dr. Harry Begian (Univ of Illinois, retired)

Mr. Kenneth G. Bloomquist (Michigan State University Director of Bands Emeritus)

Dr. David Gillingham (Central Michigan University)

Dr. Larry Stoffel (CSU Northridge) 

Dr. Deb Confredo (Temple University)

Dr. Ryan Hourigan (Ball St. University)  

Dr. Ken Thompson (Bowling Green St.)   

Dr. Larry Van Oyen (North Central Coll.,  Naperville)   

Dr. Dale Lonis  (Elgin Symphony Orchestra)

Dr. Joe Manfredo (Univ. of Illinois)   

Mr. Don DeRoche (DePaul University)

Mr. Douglas Akey (Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies, AZ)

Mr. Dan Farris (Northwestern University)

Mr. Tom Brawner (Scott Co. Kentucky)

Mr. Brian Wis (Retired, St. Charles North H.S.)  

Mr. Jim Stombres (Retired, St. Charles North H.S.)

Mr. Bill Jastrow (Retired, Neuqua Valley H. S.)

Mr. Ross Kellen (Glenbard East H.S. retired, Elmhurst College)  

Mr. Pete Pappas (Glenbrook South H.S. retired)  

Mrs. Margene Pappas (Oswego H.S. retired) 

Mr. Don Shupe (Libertyville H.S. retired)

Mr. Keith Ozsvath (Rotollo Middle School)

Mr. John Thomson (Libertyville H.S. retired)

Mr. John Timmins (Crone M.S.)

Dr. Pete Griffin (Elmhurst University)

Mr. Dan Valkema (Plainfield Central H.S.)

Dr. James Hile (Elmhurst University)

Mr. Chip Staley (Nequa Valley H.S. retired)

Dr. Tim Yontz (Wheaton College)

​Ms. Emily Binder (Nequa Valley H.S.)

Ms. Judy Grimes (Elmhurst College, retired)

Mr. Randy Sundell (Vernon Hills H.S.)

Dr. Stacey Larson (VanderCook College of Music)

Mr. Mike Fisk (Joliet Central H.S., retired)

​Mr. Wayne Gordon (Wood Oaks Middle School)

Mrs. Lila Fagan (West Aurora-Retired)

Mr. Kurt Gross (Warren HS)

Ms. Wendy Higdon (Creekside MS, Carmel, IN)

Mr. Don Stinson (Joliet Central HS)

Alex Kaminsky, VanderCook College of Music

Brian Hildreth, Rockford SD

Shawn Maxwell, Vandoren Reeds & Mouthpieces

Bryan Miller, North Central College

Dr. Tiffany Engle, Calvin College

Eric Morong, Elmhurst University

Chip DeStefano, McCracken JHS

Chuck Morgan, Joliet Junior College

Brian Doyle, Crane School of Music – SUNY Potsdam

Dr. Dana Sedatole, Michigan State University

Ben Whalund, Northern IL Univ

Dr. Myra Rhoden, University of West Georgia

Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, University of Illinois (Retired)

Jeremy Sison, Oswego East HS

Judy Grimes, Elmhurst University

Kevin Schoenbach, Oswego HS

Kevin Sedatole, Michigan State University

Kim Farris, President of VanderCook College of Music

Mike Miller, Field MS

Scott Casagrande, Hersey HS

Scott Rush, Charleston Wind Symphony

Spencer Hile, John Hersey High School

Stephanie SanRoman, Oswego HS

Stevan Rexroat, Oswego East HS

Tiffany Hitz, Dobinson Secondary School

Dr. William Lake Jr., George Mason University

Performance Honors:

University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival

Prairie State MS Concert Band Festival-A Music for All Regional Affiliate Festival

Plainfield Invitational Band Festival

IGSMA State Contest

IMEC (Illinois Music Educator`s Association) State Convention

American School Band Director's Association National Convention

The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic

Commission and World Premier of the John Mackey composition, Sheltering Sky

Commission and World Premier of the Donald Grantham composition, Sol y' Sombra

Commission and World Premier of the Scott McAllister composition, Atmospheres

Commission and World Premier of the Julie Giroux composition, Our Cast Aways

Commission and World Premier of the David Biedenbender composition, Dream of Ember, Dream of Star

Commission and World Premier of the JaRod Hall composition, Black Star Alpha

Commission and World Premier of the Omar Thomas composition, Forward/Still

The Traughber Band has visited:

Northern Illinois University

Northwestern University

DePaul University

Illinois State University

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Orchestra Hall

VanderCook College of Music