JCHS Symphonic Band attends Upswell Leadership Conference

Members of the Joliet Central High School Symphonic Band were invited to perform as the guest band in a workshop at the Upswell Leadership Conference in Chicago on November 14, 2019.

The band performed as the lab band for a session led by Dr. Merryl Goldberg, Professor in the School of Arts at California State University San Marcos. The session allowed conference attendees to sit within the band to experience a musical setting from the perspective of being on stage. Also in attendance were JTHS Superintendent Dr. Mike Hanson and Director of Strategic Partnerships Brett Marcum.

Director Don Stinson states, “Being a part of the Upswell Conference and Dr. Goldberg’s session was very impactful. As musicians, the band and I sometimes forget how lucky we are to be in the role of making music for an audience. Having conference members sit in with the band and describe the energy and emotion they were feeling as they sat next to a hardworking musician was an eye-opening reminder for us of why we do what we do.”

The Upswell conference, formerly known as the Independent Sector Conference, focuses on building, equipping, and inspiring changemakers such as community organizers, philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, government officials, and corporate responsibility professionals.

The Joliet Central Band’s appearance was graciously sponsored by the National Association of Music Merchants.