The East Rockford MS 8th Grade Symphonic Band will demonstrate concepts that teachers can use when they prepare literature for concerts, contests, or festivals. I will share when/how I begin teaching these concepts to my students. Concepts will include: Pencil Check, Melody vs Accompaniment, Four Bar Phrasing, No Breathing After a Crescendo, Playing Notes Full Value, Finish the Phrases, “Story line,” and EPIC performance.
Rebecca Kilgore
- Biographical Information
Rebecca Kilgore is in her 26th year of teaching band, with the past 20 years at East Rockford Middle School, Rockford MI. Bands under her direction have consistently received superior ratings at both the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District and State Band Festivals. Every year since its inception, students from the East Rockford MS band have been selected for the Michigan All State Band, with numerous students sitting in the principal chair. Prior to East Rockford Middle School, she taught in the Kelloggsville and Kalamazoo Public Schools. While at Kelloggsville Public Schools, Ms. Kilgore developed the music program from 19 students in the high school band to over 65 students in just five years.
Ms. Kilgore is an innovative educator, and has helped to provide many opportunities for her students, as well as professional development for her colleagues. At East Rockford MS, she started the 6th Grade Solo Festival, a 7th grade band “live” Broadway theater trip and an annual 8th grade band trip to Chicago. The East Rockford MS Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in 2013 and 2016. She co-presented a session on Beginning Band at the 2018 MMC with Nichole Bier titled, “Beginners: Better, Faster, Stronger.” In 2020, Ms. Kilgore was on a panel discussion at MMC led by Andrea Mack titled, “Self Care and Flow.” At the 2023 MMC, Ms. Kilgore and the East Rockford Symphonic Band presented a demonstration clinic titled “After the Notes and Rhythms, NOW WHAT? Concert/Festival Preparation Tips. ”
She received her Bachelors of Music from Western Michigan University and her Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music.
Ms. Kilgore was named Michigan School Band and Orchestra State Band Teacher of the Year in January of 2023. She was selected as MSBOA District X Band Teacher of the Year for 2022 and 2015. She is an MSBOA Solo and Ensemble District/State Festivals and MSBOA District Band Festival, and is in demand as a clinician throughout Michigan. She was nominated for the Who’s Who Among American Teachers award two times and was nominated for the Strathmore’s Who’s Who Award. In 2022, Rebecca became a member of American School Band Directors Association. She currently serves as MSBOA District X President and has served on the executive board since 2005 as Adjudicator Chair, Secretary, and Medals/Plaques Chairperson.
Ms. Kilgore lives in Rockford with her two daughters Madison (17) and Elizabeth (13). Rebecca has a passion for her students/teaching middle school band and LOVES Christmas. She enjoys going to the beach, playing dominos/card games, attending Broadway Musicals, occasional tent camping and hanging with friends.