WELCOME TO THE WESTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND WEBSITE!
Band is part of the WMS Fine Arts Curriculum. Participation in band creates well-rounded, disciplined, and problem solving individuals. It also provides students with an additional avenue into the world of history, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Most importantly, instrumental music is art. It gives students a beautiful way to create, share, feel, and express emotion.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WEEK OF APRIL 28th:
*This is for Zero Hour, before school rehearsals only. For classes during the school day, click on "Schedule" above in the main/drop down menu.
Monday, April 28: No Rehearsal
Tuesday, April 29: Graduation Band
Wednesday, April 30: 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Band
Thursday, May 1: Graduation Band
Friday, May 2: 6th, 7th, 8th, Grade Band
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Drumline @ McTeacher Night, Mon May 19
Jazz Ensemble District Tour, Thur May 22
Westchester 4th of July Parade, Fri July 4
Please like and follow the Arts Thrive in the Westchester Public Schools Facebook Page!
Please subscribe to Mr. Kluge's YouTube channel: Jason Kluge
About me
It is my sincere pleasure to be starting my 27th year as the band director at Westchester Middle School! I have thoroughly enjoyed my years of service to the students and families of this community; a community that without question places great value on education in music and the arts!
I am proud to say that my professional career began in Westchester after having received a Bachelor's degree in music education from DePaul University, Chicago. While teaching in Westchester, I completed further studies at DePaul and earned a Master's degree in music education. Although I consider my formal education to be complete, I continue to develop my teaching skills and understanding of new pedagogy by attending clinics, workshops, and conferences held by the Illinois Music Educator's Association.
On the personal side, I am originally from Lyons, Illinois, and attended Morton West High School in Berwyn, Illinois. I am the very proud father of thirteen year old twins, Jane and Leah. When I am not being a dad, husband, or teacher, you can most likely find me working in my yard & garden, browsing through a used record store, on the bike trail, or having fun embarrassing my daughters (who are both band members in their middle school)! I am also working to learn how to play the bass guitar & developing plans for the start of a garden model railroad.