Meet the Candidates

Voting in the Fall 2024 ILMEA elections will take place online.

Please make sure your ILMEA membership is current by November 1, 2024 to receive the emailed election link.

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State President Candidate

GINA WYCH
Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove

Why do you want to run for this position?
It is difficult to articulate what the Illinois Music Association has meant to me for over twenty years. It was in the All-State flute section as a high school student that I realized music education was my future; years later, the opportunity to give back to the Association as JSGM Division President was an overwhelming honor and joy. In that role, I had the opportunity to connect and collaborate with educators and students from all over the state, learning about their accomplishments, passions, interests, and needs. In turn, I worked hard to be responsive to these conversations and experiences; to evolve, adjust, and invigorate ILMEA programming while maintaining a holistic view of what music education is and what it can be.

It would truly be a privilege to continue serving the teachers and students of Illinois as Association President. Through both my ILMEA leadership and my “day job” as a Fine Arts Department Chair, my mind and heart are continually focused on educating and inspiring students by empowering and supporting their teachers. If given the opportunity, I promise to listen, to grow, and to work alongside you to create an even more vibrant music education experience for Illinois students.

Teaching Experience

• 2023-Present - Downers Grove North High School (9-12) - Fine Arts Department Chair, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble

• 2008-2023 - Minooka Community High School (9-12) - Band, Guitar, Music Production, Dual Credit American Music History, Piano

• 2008 - Taft Grade School (K-8) - Long term substitute, 1st-8th grade general music and 4th-8th grade band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• ILMEA Junior/Senior General Music Division President - Two terms, 2017-2024

• ILMEA Junior/Senior General Music Division Council Member

• Publication, Gender and Instrument Associations, Stereotypes, and Stratification: A Literature Review in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education (2012)

• Article, Second Chances: The Who, How, and Why of High School Beginning Band in Illinois Music Educator Journal (2018)

• Article, Back to Something Better: General Music in the Ensemble Classroom, Through and Beyond the Pandemic in Illinois Music Educator Journal (2021)

• Presentation, Where Do I Start?! Making General Music a Part of Your Healthy High School Music Program at the Illinois Music Education Conference (2016)

Band Division President candidate

BARRY HOUSER
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign

Why do you want to run for this position?
Running for the Illinois Music Educators Band Division President position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on music education across the state of Illinois. My passion for music and dedication to fostering talent drive this desire to potentially serve in this position. As Band Division President, I aim to advocate for more accessibility to all programs and offerings, ensuring that every student has access to quality band programs regardless of their background or location.

I bring a varied wealth of experience in music education, having taught in diverse settings and led successful band programs that emphasize both excellence and inclusivity. My vision includes enhancing professional development for educators, advocating for more participation in ILMEA events, and building stronger community partnerships to support music programs.

By serving as Band Division President, I hope to collaborate with fellow educators to address current challenges, innovate teaching practices, and celebrate the achievements of our students. I believe in the transformative power of music education and am committed to advancing our field through thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we can inspire the next generation of musicians while supporting current educators to ensure the enduring value of music education in Illinois.

Teaching Experience

• 1994 - present - currently serve as President and Director of Smith Walbridge Clinics, hosting 1000 high school and college students and directors each summer

• 2011 - present - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 242 Undergraduate Conducting, 332 Advanced Conducting, Conductor of the Wind Orchestra, previously conducting the Hindsley Symphonic Band and University and Campus Bands, Volleyball Band, Men's and Women's Basketball Band, direct the 400 member University of Illinois Marching Illini

• Artistic Director for the Bob Rogers Travel Parade of Bands hosted at the Walt Disney World Resort

• 2008 - 2011 - Eastern Illinois University - Undergraduate Conducting Courses, Music Education capstone course, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Concert Band, Graduate Conducting, Panther Marching Band, Basketball Bands

• 2007 - 2008 - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - conducted Concert Band IIA and IIB, the Illinois Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band I, worked with the Illinois Basketball Bands and served as a graduate student with the Marching Illini

• 2001 - 2007 - Nappanee Elementary, Woodview Elementary, Wakarusa Elementary, NorthWood Middle School, NorthWood High School - 6th Grade, 7th-8th Grade, 9th-12 Grade - Beginning Band in 3 elementary schools, 7th-8th grade concert band, Music Theory, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Red Regiment Marching Band - also served as Director of Performing Arts for the High School Arts Programs

• 2000 - 2001 - Buchholz High School - Grades 9-12 - Jazz Band I & II, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, AP Music Theory, Golden Regiment Marching Band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2023 - Illinois Music Education Conference Keynote Speaker

• Recognized by the Indiana General Assembly and the US House of Representatives

• Indianapolis Star Academic All-Star Award

• WNDU Channel 16 Excellence in Education Award

• Quinlan & Fabish Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator

• Illinois Leadership Center Jeffrey Moss Leadership Coach of the Year

• University of Illinois School of Music Teaching Recognition Award

• President and Director, Smith Walbridge Clinics 

• Conductor and Artistic Director, Bob Rogers Travel Thanksgiving Parade of Bands hosted at the Walt Disney World Resort

• Yamaha Master Educator

• College Band Directors National Association, member of the National Board

• College Band Directors National Association, member of the Athletic Band Committee

• Big Ten Band Directors Association - Chair of Athletic Band Directors

• All Illinois Junior Band, Board of Directors

• National Association of Alumni Bands, Liaison with CBDNA

• Phi Mu Alpha, Faculty Advisor

• Kappa Kappa Psi, Chapter Sponsor

• National Band Association UIUC Chapter, Co-Advisor 

• Music for All Educational Advisory Team

• Ultimate Drill Book Educational Consultant

Jazz Division President candidates

ROOSEVELT GRIFFIN
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb

Why do you want to run for this position?
My commitment to musical excellence aligns with the core values of ILMEA. Running for the ILMEA Jazz Division President allows me to enhance jazz education throughout Illinois. With my understanding of the various areas of music education, leadership, and the transformative power of jazz, I aim to create opportunities that inspire and elevate students and educators across the state.

Teaching Experience

• 2024-Present - Northern Illinois University, Jazz Studies

• 2022-2024 - VanderCook College of Music, Jazz Studies

• 2004-2022 - Harvey 152 Elementary and Middle Schools, Band/Jazz Band

• 2003-2004 - Highland Elementary School, General Music

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2022-2023 Dr. William P. Foster Project "Community Development Award," Music Music Education Alliance

• 2022 "Think Big" Educator Award, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

• 2022 John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year, Jazz Education Network & Berklee College of Music

• 2021 Most Distinguished Alumni, Graduate Concordia University Chicago Alumni Association 

• 2020 Outstanding Chicagoland Educator, Quinlan and Fabish Music Company

• 2019 Dream Maker Award, Bronzeville Children's Museum Women's Board

• 2019 Men of Excellence Award, Chicago Defender/ Real Times Media 

• 2018 Award for Human and Civil Rights, Illinois Education Association

• 2017 Jazz Educator of the Year, The Jazz Institute of Chicago 

• 2017 Grammy Award for Best Music Educator Semi Finalist, Grammy Foundation and Recording Academy 

• 2015 Most Outstanding Alumni - College of Visual and Performing Arts, Northern Illinois University 

• 2015 Jefferson Award for Public Service Educator Jefferson Foundation, Thornton Township District 205 Ambassadors 

• 2014 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, Golden Apple Foundation 

• 2014 “Roosevelt Griffin Avenue,” A street in Harvey, Illinois was renamed honoring exemplary work in music education

• 2012 Excellence in Education Award, Harvey Education Foundation 

TIMOTHY HASSALL
Belleville East High School, Belleville

Why do you want to run for this position?
“How can I help?” Students, and their education, are not only our future; they are our present – the now – and, as teachers, their success is our most important calling. Having been a high school student involved in ILMEA and now as a teacher with multiple years in ILMEA leadership roles, I have seen the incredible services that ILMEA provides both as a recipient of the organization as well as a contributor. I also have seen areas in which my experience can help further the education of our students, primarily with providing resources for students of all backgrounds. As a former vocal jazz teacher, our district’s current vocal jazz representative, and current instrumental jazz teacher, I am involved with jazz at every level in ILMEA. Music is everywhere, and we are called to teach it to everyone. Leadership, at its true heart, is a servant role. I hope to serve our students with everything in me by frequently communicating with our district and division representatives, aligning programs so they are consistent across the state, and helping our teachers and students by asking “How can I help?”

Teaching Experience

• 2012-present - Belleville East High School, Grades 9-12, Concert Band, Marching Band, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 1 year as the District 6 Concert Choir Co-Chair

• 7 years as the District 6 Vocal Jazz Representative

Elementary General Music Division President candidates

CHRISTINE RUGGLES
Crosby Elementary School, Harvard

Why do you want to run for this position?
Elementary music has become not just my career but my passion. I fell into the world of elementary music education 17 years ago when I accepted a long-term elementary music substitute position in Carrollton, Texas. I fell in love with this area of music education and have spent the last 16 years teaching elementary music. I have spent countless hours reading, reflecting, researching, and writing about this field. Additionally, I have spent many summers training in Dalcroze, Kolday, and Orff Schulwerk. I am eager to become part of a team that strives to set a strong foundational music education for Illinois’ youngest musicians. I believe establishing a strong baseline of musical skills and creative abilities plays an influential role in determining a student’s ability to be successful musicians during their K-12 education as well as later in life. I believe my training in the major processes, as well as my passion for elementary music education, makes me a strong candidate for the Elementary General Music Division President for the Illinois Music Education Association.

Teaching Experience

• 2023-present - Crosby Elementary, Harvard CUSD 50, Harvard, IL K-3 Music

• 2022-2023 - Rupley Elementary, CUSD 59, Elk Grove Village, IL K-5 Music

• 2017-2022 - Gregory Elementary, Rockford #205, Rockford, IL, K-5 Music

• 2015-2017 - Richardson ISD, Richardson, TX K-5 Music

• 2008-2015 - Dallas ISD, Dallas, TX PK-5 Music

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• IMEC 2025 Clinician

KEEGAN TUCKER
Lincoln Grade School, Robinson

Why do you want to run for this position?
Music education provides opportunities for students that otherwise may lie beyond their scope of usual experiences. School participation in classes such as choir, orchestra, and band offer gateways to experiences beyond the classroom that provide lasting memories and perhaps serve as a catalyst to change a student’s life trajectory. The essential key to helping a student realize their potential begins in the elementary general music classroom. Here, students not only learn the basic principles and mechanics of music, but it is where their lifelong enjoyment for music making and appreciating begins. As the ILMEA EGM President, it would be my mission to help bring elementary general music to the forefront of music education around the state of Illinois. I would work diligently to provide a voice for all elementary music teachers around the state and ensure that professional development opportunities are available that cater specifically toward the growth of our own education and those of our students. As the EGM Division President, it would be my honor and privilege to solidify statewide the importance of elementary general music and continue to instill excitement, enthusiasm, and enriched education into you as a professional music educator.

Teaching Experience

• 2024 - Current - Lincoln Grade School/Robinson High School - 3-5 / 9-12 - General Music & Introduction to Education Dual-Credit Courses

• 2020-2024 - Lincoln Grade School/Washington Elem - K-5 - General Music

• 2015-2018 - Robinson High School/Nuttall Middle School - 6-12 - General Music & Band

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2023 - Current - District 5 Elementary General Music Representative

Music educator development division president candidates

MATTHEW BUFIS
Evanston Twp. High School, Evanston

Why do you want to run for this position?
I have been a part of the MED Council since it's rebranding and have helped to shape the process of session selection, inclusion, and advancement as a panel member. I have attended IMEC as well as district jazz and classical events in District 7 and District 1 since 2006. I have benefitted greatly from ILMEA's leadership as a music teacher in Illinois for the last 18 years and am eager to give back to the organization. I would like to continue the work of the committee and expand upon the selection and solicitation process for proposals so that we can continue to offer high-quality music education offerings at our state conference.

Teaching Experience

• 2012-Present - Evanston Township High School - 9-12 - Band/Guitar

• 2008-2012 - Westmont High School - 5, 9-12 - Band, Music Tech, AP Music Theory, Guitar

• 2007-2008 - Champaign Central High School - 9-12 - Jazz Lab Band

• 2006-2008 - University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - College TA - Music Ed/Bands

• 2002-2006 - Great Mills High School - 9-12 - Band/Percussion/Guitar

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• MED Council Member 2010 to Present

• Presented sessions on Music Education Advocacy, Leadership/Management, Panel Discussions, and more

• ETHS Wind Symphony Performance - 2018

• ETHS Jazz Ensemble Performance - 2022

MINERVA DIAZ
Bloom Twp. District 206, Chicago Heights

Why do you want to run for this position?
I believe in the transformative power of music, and wholeheartedly put confidence in ILMEA's mission statement. As both a pre-service teacher and [now active] music educator, I have witnessed the impact ILMEA's efforts have on the youth of Illinois. Over the years, I have observed growth in the mindset of who we are serving, what is in the best interest of those we serve, and whose voices are ultimately considered in how we move forward? Keeping in mind the ever-changing policies and roadblocks both educators and students face across the state, I aspire to aid in providing learning opportunities that remain accessible and keep in mind EVERY music community across the state--whether suburban, urban or rural. Taking this into account, it is my hope both my lived and professional experiences positively influence efforts involving policy, initiatives and programming set forth by the organization. Specifically, prioritizing interest in topics such as recruitment/retention of both students and teachers, intentionality in diversifying music repertoire programming, and supporting music educators in rural or urban communities. In reflecting on my professional experience, along with knowledge gained from hearing various voices at the conference I participated in, it was evident that some are genuinely unaware, overwhelmed or even unsure of how to move forward in the interest of all stakeholders. So, I aspire to keep these needs in mind and think creatively to find ways in which we can provide requested resources and programming. Ultimately, I am interested in contributing to the board as a voice and support for all music educators in Illinois to ensure they have relevant, empowering resources available to them.

Teaching Experience

• 2021-present - Bloom High School/Bloom Trail High School - 9/12 - Instrumental Music, Music Technology

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• IMEC Collegiate Volunteer - 2017-2019

• Participant in the 2022 ILMEA Emerging Leaders Conference

• Selected as a featured alumni for WIU's "Encore" Newsletter in the "Alumni Spotlight,” 2022 (https://www.wiu.edu/cofac/music/newsletter/pdf/fall22.pdf)

• Appointed as a board member of Brass Beyond Binaries (2024)

district 5 president candidate

CHRISTOPHER WEISENBORN
Maroa-Forsyth Middle/High School, Maroa

Why do you want to run for this position?
I participated in ILMEA as a student musician and have some of the best memories from my time at district and state festivals. Becoming a music educator has given me the same opportunities my directors gave me in ILMEA. I knew I wanted to give back to an organization that helped shape me into becoming a music educator. As a previous Senior Chorus Representative and current District 5 President, I'm would like to continue shaping the future of our organization and the opportunities we're giving musicians in the state of Illinois.

Teaching Experience

• 2009-present - Maroa-Forsyth Middle and High School. 6th, 7th/8th, High School Choirs and Director of 2 musicals

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• Current District 5 President (2023-2025)

• District 5 Choral Rep (10 years)

• IMEC Presenter (2019)

district 6 president candidates

STEPHANIE AARONS-DENNISON
Centralia High School, Centralia

Why do you want to run for this position?
I am running for this position because I believe that our district has more to offer in the southern half of Illinois. It is my goal to bring more collaboration between the schools in the Metro East and Southern half of our district. I have the confidence that I will do my very best to listen and ensure that every school in our district feels that ILMEA is doing their best to help them, and that they feel heard. I would like to take part and be more involved in ILMEA. I feel that I have a strong set of communication skills, organization skills, and a passion for music education.

Teaching Experience

• 2017- present - Centralia High School - 9-12 Band, AP Music Theory, Music Appreciation

• 2016-2017 - Fairfield Community High School - 9-12 Band & Choir

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2016-present - Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps Administration

• WJBD's Teacher of the Week in January 2021

• 2021 & 2022 District 6 Band Co-Chair

• 2023 Illinois Jaycees The Outstanding Young Persons Award

• 2022 & 2023 Business of Professional Women Corresponding Secretary

PHILIP CARTER
O’Fallon Twp. High School, O’Fallon

Why do you want to run for this position?
I believe in the mission of ILMEA to advocate for music education and provide outstanding musical experiences for our students. ILMEA festivals were among my favorite middle/high school memories and I understand the power this organization can have on students. I have tried to serve this organization by raising my hand and serving - taking on tasks of hosting a festival at my previous position to serving as the D6 Band Representative for the past 4 years. I am fortunate that through these positions and through working at O’Fallon, that I have been in a place to connect with many of the great educators in our District 6 area. As a member of an organization that is consistently evolving to better serve its members, I would welcome the opportunity to serve, listen, and act as a voice for my District 6 colleagues. Helping this organization reach and serve as many music educators and continuing to provide the opportunity of high-quality, musical experiences for all students will always be at the heart of why I have served and will continue to serve this organization.

Teaching Experience

• 2018-present, O’Fallon Township High School, 9th-12th Grade, Band (Concert, Marching, Jazz) AP Music Theory

• 2015-2018, Huntley High School, 9th-12th Grade, Band (Concert, Marching, Jazz) AP Music Theory

ILMEA Leadership, Professional Achievements & Awards

• 2021 – Present, District 6 Band Representative

• 2022, All-State Band Chair

• 2020, District 6 Senior Band Chair

• 2017, District 9 Junior High Concert Festival Host

• Concert (2018 HHS and 2022 OTHS) and Jazz (2023 OTHS) Performances at IMEC

• National Board Certified Teacher

• 2023, Grammy Music Educator Award Quarter Finalist

• 2022, American School Band National Association, Member

• 2019, Conn-Selmer VIP Educator

• 2019, Winner of the American Prize for Wind Ensemble Performance and Conducting

• 2018 Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence State Level Winner

• Multiple Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association

• Performances at Macy's Parade, Rose Parade, Midwest Clinic