Retiring band Director Mike Fiske will receive a standing ovation during the Joliet Central High School’s upcoming Spring Band Concert.
Fiske is the fourth band director at Joliet Central High School since the Joliet Township High School band program was established in 1912 by A.R. McAllister.
“I have been blessed with great students, parents and colleagues for the past 39 years,” Fiske said. “I am grateful to my teachers for helping me and to my students for believing in me. It has been an honor to be part of this great band tradition at Joliet Central High School.”
The Spring Band Concert is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. May 22 in the Joliet Central School Auditorium, 201 E. Jefferson St. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
In addition to honoring Fiske, the event will include performances from the Alumni Brass Choir and guest conductors Ray Cramer, Indiana University director of bands emeritus, and Ted Lega, Joliet Central director of bands emeritus. Featured guest soloists scheduled to perform include Charles Morgan, Joliet Junior College director of bands, on the trombone; Jerry E. Lewis, JJC director of bands emeritus, on the coronet; and Bradley Uffelman, Joliet Central band alumnus, on the clarinet.
Under Fiske’s direction, Joliet Central’s band won the title of Grand Champions at Illinois State University in 2003 and 2013, and has been Best in Class several times in the Illinois State University Contest.
The band has had annual representation in the Illinois Music Educators Association District and All-State Festivals. They have performed in Orlando, Atlanta and New York City. They were Honor Band at the Dixie Classic Festival in Richmond, Virginia, in 2014, Best in Class at Festival Disney in 2008 and Grand Champions at the New York National Freedom Festival in 2006. They also performed at Walt Disney World in 2004, 2012 and 2016, and at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2010.
Locally, the band performs in downtown parades and at home basketball and football games. The Central Big Band gives numerous performances each year in Joliet and Chicago, while also maintaining an active concert schedule during the school year.
Don Stinson, Joliet Central alumnus and 2002 Mr. J, will serve as the school’s fifth band director.
“I am very excited about the selection of Don Stinson as the fifth director here,” said Fiske. “He has tremendous experience, knowledge and talent, as well as a sincere heart for the traditions of the Joliet Band. He is a perfect fit.”
While attending high school, Stinson performed in the band under Ted Lega’s direction. Stinson has served as the Naperville North High School band director for the past two years. Prior to that, he was band director at Morris Community High School.