Junior high swingsters chosen to play for music teachers conference.
Though the Gemini Junior High School Jazz Band played in the Niles Library Friday, nobody tried to ssshh them. Playing a little Sonny Rollins, a little Count Basie and other great jazz, the seventh and eighth grade musicians delightfully surprised the crowd with their proficiency and jumping rhythms. The band, under the direction of Matt Janus, a band director in East Maine Elementary District 63 who works at Gemini, Stevenson and Mark Twain schools, received the honor of being selected to play at the Illinois Music Educators Conference. They'll travel to Peoria for the Jan. 26 performance. "These kids started in fifth and sixth grade, and now they're in seventh or eighth grade," Janus said. "So they're doing very well for being in their …
Schools vary from "day off" to staged readings and concerts.
Though not many Niles-area schools are planning events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is observed today, some teachers have taught about the noted civil rights leader's principles. Other schools, such as Northwestern University, have planned elaborate commemorations. While all local schools are closed for the holiday, here's a roundup of what's happening locally: Northwestern University A full day of events is planned, and is free and open to the public. A noon lecture features Dr. Benjamin Carson, who will recall his beginnings in poverty and journey to become a leading physician in the nation, as well as Dr. Morton Schapiro, the university president, and a jazz concert. Inquire about free tickets for this event. At 2:30, …
