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 August 18th:
*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 Aug 18- No School
Tuesday Aug 19- No School
Wednesday Aug 20- No School
Thursday Aug 21- Concert Band @ 7:15am
Friday Aug 22- Symphonic Band @ 7:15am
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The entrance for all morning band rehearsals is door #12 off of Canterbury St.
Please arrive between 7:00am & 7:10am for morning rehearsals. The door will be locked after that time.
The School District Band Fee is $125. Please pay this fee through your child's payment portal with credit card, or you may send a check (payable to Westchester Public Schools) or cash with your child to school. Please place the fee in an envelope with your child's name on it and turn it in to Mr. Kluge.
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 28th 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 fourteen year old twins, Jane (trumpeter) and Leah (percussionist). 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, traveling, playing the bass guitar, or having fun embarrassing my daughters!