Did you know that Maine West is the home of the first high school percussion ensemble to every perform at the Midwest Band Convention?

Directed by professional percussionist and instructor, Mr. Jake Jerger, the ensemble includes section leader Anne Detzner '73, Mary Plas '74, Larry Keller '75, Jim Chrisos '76, Robert Biesiedzinske '74, Kathy Suchta '75, Brian Dunavant '74, Robert Steinmon '73, and celloist Dan Bunce '74.

During Chicago's December 12‑16 convention, the ensemble will perform an hour long concert at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at the College Inn. Everyone is invited.

After being asked by the Percussion Arts Society to choose an ensemble to bring to the convention, Mr. Jerger decided on the Maine West Percussion Ensemble because "Maine West has an outstanding percussion ensemble this year, which is why I have chosen them to perform at the Midwest Band Convention. It is a great honor for me and for the students to be the first high school ensemble to perform at this convention."

Speaking of musicians, did you know that trumpet player Steve Ware '73 has been selected to participate in a special jazz workshop conducted by Loyola Academy? Chosen from a sight‑reading audition, Steve auditioned among other Chicagoland band students on Monday, November 13, at Loyola.

At the workshop, which will meet every Monday night for the next 10 weeks, Steve hopes to gain practice in working with a jazz band.


Did you know that Ken Funk '73 has been elected president of regional district area 15 by Chicago‑land delegates from the Distributive Education Club of Illinois? Chosen at a recent Evanston Township meeting, Ken will serve for one year as head of a student marketing distribution workshop.