District 113A Will Bring Back Choir and Band

The Lemont-Bromberek District 113A Board of Education Wednesday approved the addition of a full-time band teacher position in preparation for bringing back band and choir programs.

The band and choir programs were eliminated during the district’s financial crisis several years ago.

“The reason for this position is an alignment to the Board’s strategic plan and future vision that is focused on the whole child,” said Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel.

“Thanks to our dedicated parents and community, the programs continued outside of the school day in a parent-paid program,” she added. “We believe that by bringing the band and choir programs back into the school at Old Quarry, we will be able to increase the enrollment numbers because students will not have to choose between music and sports after school. Now, they will be able to take band, choir and participate in a variety of after school activities as well.”

The Board also approved converting a current .6 music position at the elementary school to a full-time choir/music position for next school year. The current choir enrollment at Old Quarry did not justify a full-time choir teacher; however, with a current part-time music position at the elementary grades, expanding this position to full-time will allow the district to rebuild the middle school choral program while keeping our elementary music program intact.

“The Board of Education is excited about returning the band and choir programs to the school day at Old Quarry Middle School,” Orzel sadi. “We remain committed to our strategic planning efforts and the core values that have been established and focused on the whole child.”