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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.
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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
Tom Merrill | 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. -
History of the Joliet Township High School Band Part Two: “A Sound Tradition”
Tom Merrill | January 10, 2019
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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
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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
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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.” -
Because of a Music Trip
Tom Merrill | October 1, 2018
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My whole life started because of a music trip. Wait...that sounds worse than it is. What I mean is that so many of the incredible things that have become my life started because of a music trip. -
Making Your Horses Thirsty
Tom Merrill | August 30, 2018
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In my first year of teaching, the superintendent of schools told us the following: “You can lead a horse to water; you can’t make him drink. But you can put salt in his oats.” To be candid, the man was not a stellar administrator. But for some reason, for better or worse, this little tidbit has stuck with me for 30 years. -
Does a Bugler Frack in the Woods?
Tom Merrill | August 3, 2018
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Clarity comes in surprising places. This summer I spent a week at Boy Scout camp in the forest of northern Wisconsin. My son is working towards his Eagle Scout badge, with a deadline to achieve that by his 18th birthday next spring when he’ll age out. That meant this would be his final year at summer scout camp, and being an assistant scoutmaster with the troop I wanted us to spend this one last time together at Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan. -
More Than You Can Chew and Even Harder to Swallow
Tom Merrill | July 16, 2018
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It was one of those moments where stubbornness and inexperience collided head on.
