About our Bands
Students who take part in the Norwood Music program are challenged daily to grow musically; ALWAYS striving to achieve their highest potential. The qualities we will achieve are goal setting, perseverance, hard work, team work, discipline, leadership, and dedication. These qualities that we achieve, we will continue to display long after we leave Norwood Elementary. We will gain PRIDE in our program, a sense of accomplishment, self-satisfaction, and we will have fun!
Beginning Band -The beginning band is for students just starting an instrument. The classes are broken down into individual lessons, sectionals and full ensemble; the purpose to teach the basic fundamentals of playing an instrument and become a well rounded musician. This band will perform in various concerts throughout the year.
Concert Band- The Concert Band (Advanced Band) is comprised of 6th, 7th and 8th graders that successfully completed beginning band. The students strive daily to become better musicians, expanding on the basic fundamentals they have learned and developing the inner musician. The Concert Band will perform in different contest, concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Jazz Band- The Jazz Band is comprised of any member of band, 5th-8th that wants to take that extra step and enhance/broaden their jazz playing and knowledge. The students will work on Blues, Swing and Latin styles throughout the year; learning different scales and modes and improvisation. The jazz band is a fun group that lets you get loose and play different styles of music. The band will perform in various concerts throughout the year.
Chorus -The Chorus is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. The students explore their vocal range and strive for excellence everyday. The students work on developing a mature voice, and balance and blend with the ensemble as a whole. We have a great time in chorus and take pride in what we do. The chorus will perform at various concerts and festivals throughout the year.
"If you can dream, you can do it!"- Walt Disney
"Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions.
People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak,
what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, , music proves:
We are the same". -John Denver
Concert Band- The Concert Band (Advanced Band) is comprised of 6th, 7th and 8th graders that successfully completed beginning band. The students strive daily to become better musicians, expanding on the basic fundamentals they have learned and developing the inner musician. The Concert Band will perform in different contest, concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Jazz Band- The Jazz Band is comprised of any member of band, 5th-8th that wants to take that extra step and enhance/broaden their jazz playing and knowledge. The students will work on Blues, Swing and Latin styles throughout the year; learning different scales and modes and improvisation. The jazz band is a fun group that lets you get loose and play different styles of music. The band will perform in various concerts throughout the year.
Chorus -The Chorus is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. The students explore their vocal range and strive for excellence everyday. The students work on developing a mature voice, and balance and blend with the ensemble as a whole. We have a great time in chorus and take pride in what we do. The chorus will perform at various concerts and festivals throughout the year.
"If you can dream, you can do it!"- Walt Disney
"Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions.
People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak,
what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, , music proves:
We are the same". -John Denver
About our Director
Miss Wessol is starting her seventh year as band director and sixth year as choir director at Norwood Elementary School. She graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Miss Wessol was a member of the ‘Big Red Marching Machine’ for five years at the University, serving two years a section leader and two years as drum major of the ensemble. She was a member of the Symphonic Winds for two years and Wind Symphony for three, playing the horn. The Wind Symphony, under the director of Dr. Stephen K. Steele, "is a select group of the finest instrumentalists", performing works from wind band literature. Miss Wessol was a part of the Illinois State University horn choir and studied horn with Dr. Joe Neisler. She also performed with other various chamber groups.
In addition, Miss Wessol was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2007 and 2008, soloist in 2007. She performed in the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis, MO, playing the horn. Professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Illinois Music Educators Association, Illinois Grade School Music Association, and life member of Tau Beta Sigma, the national band service sorority.
Miss Wessol completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Bradley University. In her free time she enjoys working out, shopping, teaching piano lessons and practicing the french horn. She also loves performing with her friends in the community theater, Peoria Players!
In addition, Miss Wessol was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2007 and 2008, soloist in 2007. She performed in the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis, MO, playing the horn. Professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Illinois Music Educators Association, Illinois Grade School Music Association, and life member of Tau Beta Sigma, the national band service sorority.
Miss Wessol completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Bradley University. In her free time she enjoys working out, shopping, teaching piano lessons and practicing the french horn. She also loves performing with her friends in the community theater, Peoria Players!