Lake County Gazette

On August 20, Jefferson Middle School musicians visited North and Schafer Elementary Schools to introduce 4th and 5th grade students to a variety of band and orchestra instruments. The event was led by Jefferson Band Director Chris Wallbruch and Orchestra Director Rachel Kayser.

During the demonstration, students from Jefferson performed solos on string, wind, and percussion instruments. They also participated in a group finale. Students at North and Schafer engaged with the performers by asking questions about joining band or orchestra programs. "The Wildcats showcased string, wind, and percussion instruments with each student sharing their instrument’s sound, performing a solo, and joining a spirited group finale. Excited Sharks and Penguins filled the room with questions about band and orchestra, which Mrs. Wallbruch and Mrs. Kayser happily answered."

The demonstration aimed to encourage younger students to participate in music programs as they advance through school. "Great job, Wildcats! You’ve sparked a love of music in the next generation of Jefferson Area Band and Orchestra."

Jefferson Middle School is part of Villa Park School District 45, which includes several schools across DuPage County such as Ardmore Elementary School, Jackson Middle School, North Elementary School, Schafer Elementary School, Stevenson School, Westmore Elementary School, and York Center Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education for Villa Park School District 45: there are 224 teachers earning an average salary of $74,159; most are women; teacher attendance rates are high (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district's student population is diverse—43.4 percent White, 7.8 percent Black, 35.4 percent Hispanic, and 8.2 percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020 Villa Park SD45 spent $23,216 per student for a total expenditure of $76.7 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).