IVC Band Programs

We trace our modern history back to Mr. Rich Sparks who took the music program to national levels having the band travel to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Parade and to the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona in 197X.  Mr. Sparks left us to become a director with the University of Maryland Band program and he was succeeded by Mr. Dan Dietrich in 1981.  Under Mr. Dietrich's direction the band traveled to music festivals in Winnipeg, Canada, Florida Gator Bowl, Indy 500, San Diego, Kentucky Derby Parade, Hawaii,  and Washington DC.  In average a 4 year band student would have 2 trips in their career. The "Pride in Performance" Motto was introduced by Mr. Dietrich.  Our current director, Mr. Matt Chapman took over in 2010.  Much of the band glory and hardware comes from the Marching Band season but IVC concert and jazz bands also place high in judged events.  Without the indoor concert season to strengthen the musicianship of our students the success of the  Marching Band would be greatly diminished.  The IVC Marching Band has been the champion of their class at Illinois State Marching Championships 15 times and another ___ times we were runner up in our class.

We take pride in the success of  the band students and they are accomplished in their careers both musically and professionally.  

Some of our distinguished alumni are:

• 1979 Colonel Yvette Nonte,  US Army

• 1980  Tana Allen Utley Vice President Caterpillar  https://peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2018/dec/tana-utley 

• 1984  David Julazadeh Colonel US Air Force  https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/602562/brigadier-general-david-j-julazadeh/ 

• 1983  Aaron Schneider Academy Award winning Director for 2004 Best Live Action Short Film movie Two Soldiers, 

• Nate Heffron -  Professional Tenor Sax

• Joe Metzka - Professional Blues Musician

• Patrick Hill - US Navy Band Great Lakes

Band

Course: 

Marching/Symphonic/Concert Bands, Wind Ensemble (Rev. 1-09) Credit: 0.5 - 1 semester

Open to Grade(s): 9-12 Pre-requisite: Grade school band program or instructor's permission

Fall Semester Band is open to all students that have successfully completed a Junior High Band Program. Students without previous experience may enroll with permission of the High School Band Instructor. The IVC Band is a very comprehensive full year program. Students can look forward to many educational and musically fulfilling experiences. Students will learn about composition, musical structures, advanced performance techniques, and the historical and social significance of each prepared work. Non-musical outcomes include individual and group goal setting, leadership training, pride development, work planning, and self-discipline.

The first quarter deals exclusively with the Marching Band, including Color Guard. Shortly after entering the second quarter, the Marching Band breaks down into two or three Concert Bands depending on enrollment, and Winter Guard begins. Students will be placed into one of these ensembles based on an audition or at the discretion of the Band Staff. Each year, Marching Band requires a sports physical, and Activity Code forms.  Students begin with mini Camp the week following Memorial Day.  This includes incoming 8th Graders.  Summer Practice will begin mid July with weekly practice and sectionals, ramping up to 2 a days right before Band Camp the first week of August.

Concert Band - This is our spring semester intermediate group and will perform standard high school band literature. The IVC Concert Band performs a variety of music, including classic band literature, popular tunes, and educational pieces designed to enhance musicianship. The Concert Band focuses on building a strong foundation in instrumental techniques, ensemble playing, and musical interpretation. It provides an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can grow and enjoy making music together.

Wind Ensemble - The spring semester Wind Ensemble performs a diverse repertoire, including classical wind literature, contemporary compositions, and challenging arrangements. Members of the Wind Ensemble demonstrate high technical proficiency, musicality, and commitment to excellence. Enrollment for this group is open only to those students of the highest performance abilities and is limited to a specific instrumentation set by the Director. Demands on the student are very high and outside private instruction is strongly recommended. Literature addressed by this ensemble is college level and at home practice is required. Students enrolled in this level are required to participate in all Concerts, Contests, and Festivals.

The IVC Band has a long tradition of excellence in performance and our graduates are welcomed into any college band program, many with scholarships. In order to maintain this reputation, those students that do enroll will be expected to work and WORK HARD. All Band members are encouraged to participate in one of the extracurricular groups.

Music Theory

Courses:

Music Theory I

Credit: 0.5 - 1 semester

Open to Grade(s): 11 - 12

Prerequisite: Ability to read music, band, choir, piano, guitar

This course is designed chiefly for either the experienced performing student who plans to take courses in music on the college level or for the student who wishes to develop a strong musical background. This course exposes the student to a basic understanding of the fundamentals of music theory and provides some background in music history. This course not only exposes the students to basic music composition but requires them to do original composition projects. Students will be exposed to intervallic ear training, all piano scales and melodic dictation. The class is very fast paced and considered a prep course for college level music theory. Students are recommended to take Music Fundamentals prior to this class if the student has any reservations.

Music Theory II

Credit: 0.5 - 1 semester

Open to Grade(s): 11 - 12

Prerequisite: Music Theory I

This course is designed for the student who wishes to study music on the college level. Music literature and music theory will be studied extensively. Students will also be required to practice music composition skills.