Clinician Detail

Blue Collar Band: Excellence in Suburban Title I Schools

Clinic Synopsis:

"Title I" is often associated with urban schools or small rural schools, but the reality is Title I schools come in all shapes and sizes and can serve very eclectic populations. This demonstration clinic will feature the Zion-Benton Township High School Symphonic Band and share tips and resources for teaching at a band program in a Title I school and developing the high school band sound.

Michael Wawrzynski - Biographical Information

Mike Wawrzynski is an experienced music educator with over a decade of teaching in the field. He is currently the director of bands at United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois, where he has been for the past nince years. Prior to this position, he served as the director of bands at North High School in Bakersfield, California. Interestingly, he went from teaching in the largest high school district in the country (Kern County, California, with 18 high school campuses) to a single high school being the entire district. Mike holds a Master's degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University and an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University. He has a wealth of experience as a performer and conductor, having worked with numerous ensembles over the course of his 22-year performance career. In addition to teaching high school bands, he has also arranged music for groups such as the Golden Empire Drum and Bugle Corps, Conquest Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Bronco Marching Band of Western Michigan University. Mike is married to his wife and fellow educator Emilie Rio-Wawrzynski and together they are raising two young sons, Noland and Leland, along with their family dog, Dusty. Outside of music and education, Mike enjoys golf, PC gaming, photography/videography, and technology.