As musicians, nothing is more important than the quality of our sound. It is our voice and the most defining aspect of our ensemble’s identity. Too often, however, the development of this voice is neglected due to short term performance pressures or by lowered standards of what is capable from a young band. This session will explore proven rehearsal techniques, strategies, and materials for developing the young band's sound.
Chip DeStefano
- Biographical Information
Chip De Stefano is currently in his 26th year as Director of Bands at McCracken Middle School in Skokie, Illinois. Under his direction, the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band has had many notable performances including appearances at the ILMEA-State Conference, Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival, CBDNA North Central Division Conference, and . 2006 and 2013 Midwest Clinic. In the Spring of 2007, the John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded the McCracken Symphonic Band the Sudler Silver Cup.
Mr. De Stefano's professional affiliations include the National Band Association (Board of Directors), All-Illinois Junior Band (Board of Directors), the Illinois Music Educators Association, Illinois Grade School Music Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and he has been honored with membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
Mr. De Stefano is active nationally as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He's conducted honor bands, festivals and camps throughout the United States. In addition, he has presented conference sessions at the Midwest Clinic, Colorado Bandmasters Association Summer Convention, ILMEA All-State Conference, Iowa Bandmasters Conference, Nebraska Music Educators Association State Conference, New England Band Director Instituted, Arkansas Tech University Band Director Workshop, NBA/IGSMA Band Director Workshop, Illinois State University Band Director Workshop, DuPage County Music Clinic and numerous online panels.