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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.
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On the Road Again: A Return to Travel
Mike Lawson | May 4, 2021As vaccine distribution is well underway and some schools are transitioning to in-person classes (and not to mention summer break coming up), there’s a long-awaited feeling of positivity in the air. While we can’t quite call it a return to normalcy, it feels good to be moving forward. Spring is normally a time of field […] Read More... -
Who Says You Can’t Attend a Festival This School Year?
Mike Lawson | April 6, 2021In the year of virtual-everything, Worldstrides pivots with virtual festivals. Their virtual festival series can help your students not miss out on these important ways they show off their work. Read More... -
Why Having a Trusted Travel Partner is More Important Than Ever
Mike Lawson | March 6, 2021Student travel is returning, and we learned a lot from COVID-19 cancelations and disappointments. As you start to plan for returning to travel in the next school year, learn why hiring a great travel planner is more important than ever before. Read More... -
What Have We Learned from COVID-19?
Tom Merrill | January 8, 2021
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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.
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A Better Approach to a Bid Process
Tom Merrill | January 10, 2020The email arrived on a Monday. “Dear Travel Planner:” These never end well.
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Is Wind Band’s Moment Finally Here?
Tom Merrill | June 6, 2019
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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
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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
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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.
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How to Compare Tour Offerings
Elaine Koutsulis Laird | March 1, 2019
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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
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Last month we continued the history of the Joliet Township program and its influences.
