Working from home? Switch to the DIGITAL edition of School Band & Orchestra. CLICK HERE to signup now!
It is a strange and trying time for all of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand times are tough for you, as it is for us. We have been proud to bring School Band & Orchestra for free for more than two decades and we will continue to provide you with free subscriptions during the pandemic. However, we would like your consideration in these difficult times to help support our efforts here at School Band & Orchestra to keep our information flowing and to provide you with a continuous stream of current and vital information when you need it the most.
It is with the utmost sincerity we ask you to consider supporting our efforts here with a small donation which will allow our staff the ability to keep these interesting stories about your chosen career coming to you in a consistent and timely basis. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. We at School Band & Orchestra wish nothing but the best for you, your school, your family and co-workers. We hope you continue to remain healthy during this most strenuous of times.
-
What Have We Learned from COVID-19?
Tom Merrill | January 8, 2021
Read More...
Friday, November 13, 2020. I’m not superstitious. That’s a lie. I’m a Chicago Cubs fan. Eight months since the last Friday the 13th. March 13th. The end of that week. It’s really only been ten months? -
Weathering the Perfect Storm Together
Tom Merrill | April 30, 2020You walk into a restaurant. You’re seated, handed a menu, and you make a selection with your waiter. A few minutes later your meal is served, you enjoy your food, and pay on the way out. Now imagine: You walk into a restaurant. Only this time, you’re planning a banquet. You’re seated with your waiter and the chef, who ask what you would like. They’re going to create this especially for you—the sky’s the limit. It’s going to take months to plan and assemble, but it’s going to be amazing.
Read More... -
A Better Approach to a Bid Process
Tom Merrill | January 10, 2020The email arrived on a Monday. “Dear Travel Planner:” These never end well.
Read More... -
Is Wind Band’s Moment Finally Here?
Tom Merrill | June 6, 2019
Read More...
I spent the first weekend of May 2019 in the usual annual place: Band Geek Nirvana. -
The Benefits of Being a Little Nerdy
Tom Merrill | May 8, 2019
Read More...
In the April/May 2018 issue of Choral Director, SBO’s sister magazine, I wrote a piece entitled “The Importance of Our Ancestry,” which discussed the value of knowing the leading conductor/educators in our field. -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band: Part Five — “Community”
Tom Merrill | April 10, 2019
Read More...
Last month, we shared the challenges of changing times and community. In our final installment, we share the legacy that continues through community support. -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band Part Four—“Challenges and Successes”
Tom Merrill | March 1, 2019Last month, we shared how the Joliet program maintains their long tradition. This month, we discuss the challenges of changing times and the successes born of determination and hard work. In 1964, with the town population booming, Joliet Township split into three high schools: East, Central, and West.
Read More... -
How to Compare Tour Offerings
Elaine Koutsulis Laird | March 1, 2019
Read More...
There are many companies offering student tours….so how do you choose? -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band – Part Three: “Making It Happen”
Tom Merrill | February 8, 2019
Read More...
Last month we continued the history of the Joliet Township program and its influences. -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band Part Two: “A Sound Tradition”
Tom Merrill | January 10, 2019
Read More...
Last month we introduced you to the directors of the Joliet Township High School band, and the lineage that links the present with the origin of the program a century ago. This month we continue the history with those that have shaped and influenced its course. -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band Part One — “Family”
Tom Merrill | December 4, 2018
Read More...
It all started with a pig. It was somewhere around 1895, and a 14-year old farm teen in Jackson Township, Illinois wanted a new cornet. -
Bid Should Be a Four-Letter Word
Tom Merrill | November 4, 2018
Read More...
As a travel planner, it’s the phrase I always dreaded hearing on the other end of the phone: “The school makes me bid this out.”
