I do have to say this.... I had Linda Howard at Monroe and Marshall. We tried so many times to get the principal to see her sleeping in class. She would fall asleep while playing, listen or just talking. Now I was in color guard for 3 year and helped coach for 1 and I have to say ballot and Gorman are AMAMZING teachers!!! If they put Linda ahead of this department I am afraid it will go down hill. I was in 8th grade teaching the 5th-7th graders how to play because she was asleep!! PLEASE do not put Riley band program to sleep!!!
T
Taj-Marie Felix
11 years ago
I do have to say this.... I had Linda Howard at Monroe and Marshall. We tried so many times to get the principal to see her sleeping in class. She would fall asleep while playing, listen or just talking. Now I was in color guard for 3 year and helped coach for 1 and I have to say ballot and Gorman are AMAMZING teachers!!! If they put Linda ahead of this department I am afraid it will go down hill. I was in 8th grade teaching the 5th-7th graders how to play because she was asleep!! PLEASE do not put Riley band program to sleep!!!
A
Andrea Edholm
11 years ago
Former RHS Band Booster Officer. Ms. Howard is not qualified to lead the Wildcat Band. Mr. Balog & Mr. Gorman have both done a great job. Don't change a great thing.
T
Tionne Stanage
11 years ago
I was in choir for two of the three years that I attended Riley. I was able to hear the band rehearse and play all the time. I know I'm not the only one who would miss the band at football games, when the drum line would come right up to the student section and play loud and fast to get us all hyped up. That marching band is something Riley is known for. I would never want to see it lose its character.
B
Buffy Leonard
11 years ago
I was a part of this band for almost 10 years as a parent and i can say without regard that It would be very sad not only for the students to lose Mr Balog and Mr Gorman, but all the accomplishments they have done and given these kids go to waste. I dont know why this is even an option as Orchestra and Band are 2 completely different genre's. I truely hope that the band directors stay the same. I could go on and on but i wont. Like the ole saying goes, if it isn't broke, leave it alone!!! #teambalogandgorman
A
Anonymous
11 years ago
All I have to say is if you have a good thing going for over 10 years why mess with it.
K
Kristina Sherwood
11 years ago
We were super competitive when I was a marching wildcat! I loved every minute of it and so does the student body!
A
Anonymous
11 years ago
Mr. Balog is a wonderful band director and a very compassionate person. He puts the students needs and interest above all else.
K
Kathleen Szymanski
11 years ago
For some reason my comments posted as anonymous. They regarded the integrity of the band. I would like people to know who wrote the comments below.
K
Kathleen Szymanski
11 years ago
For some reason my comments posted as anonymous. They regarded the integrity of the band. I would like people to know who wrote the comments below.
A
Anonymous
11 years ago
I would hope that the integrity of the band would be maintained by keeping Mr Balog and Mr. Gorman. Certain people would be a detriment to the band and music program. You need a grasp of the instruments, marching techniques and how to incorporate music with the performances. The current leaders have a proven track
record and are respected.
A
Ann Sommers
11 years ago
My daughter's friends (Class of 2007) had nothing but praise for Mr Gorman and Mr Balog. I respect and support their opinion.
M
meloney gerencser
11 years ago
team gorman&balog!!!!
E
Emily Hess
11 years ago
gorman is the best! This is nuts!
M
Michael linn
11 years ago
this is not cool I was in the marching band for 4 years and it was a experience that I will never forget. To even think of doing this is a very bad idea and it will destroy the band and the school Spirit. Dan and Jeff both made that band to be the best and I for one will be very disappointed as a former band member to see such a devastating blow
G
Gwendolyn Harris
11 years ago
This is the program that has drawn many kids to go to Riley high. Cutting this program would greatly reduce the success and standing of the school, and reduce the number of children that would ever choose to attend. In addition, it would deprive kids of an important opportunity to discover their own abilities in music and learn important skills such as cooperation and diligence.
R
Rachel Bruce
11 years ago
Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog were the heart and soul of marching band when I attended. Everything they did was completely for the betterment of the band and were always trying to find ways to make things easier on us. Mrs. Howard might have led orchestra, but definitely isn't experienced enough to lead a band. The band family should remain the way they are. The Pride of the South Side needs Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog, not an orchestra teacher.
D
Dave Norman
11 years ago
I like the aspect of continuity with developing the music program at Marshall and wish Ms Rider success. My concern as a parent, musician, and former HS and College band member is that having an orchestral director as a replacement would pose challenges for the student musicians. I would also recommend that the current directors meet with the administration privately to try and come to a workable solution that benefits the program and ultimately the students.
A
Alicia goldstone
11 years ago
walking on to a field and hearing the words pride of the south side was truly something to be proud of. She is 100% unfit as she is a orchestra teacher!!
C
Courtney Dorsch
11 years ago
Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog have done an absolutely wonderful job as band directors. Mrs. Howard can't even stay awake long enough to teach her own orchestra class. She does not deserve this position, and Gorman and Balog do not deserve to be put in this position.
I do have to say this.... I had Linda Howard at Monroe and Marshall. We tried so many times to get the principal to see her sleeping in class. She would fall asleep while playing, listen or just talking. Now I was in color guard for 3 year and helped coach for 1 and I have to say ballot and Gorman are AMAMZING teachers!!! If they put Linda ahead of this department I am afraid it will go down hill. I was in 8th grade teaching the 5th-7th graders how to play because she was asleep!! PLEASE do not put Riley band program to sleep!!!
I do have to say this.... I had Linda Howard at Monroe and Marshall. We tried so many times to get the principal to see her sleeping in class. She would fall asleep while playing, listen or just talking. Now I was in color guard for 3 year and helped coach for 1 and I have to say ballot and Gorman are AMAMZING teachers!!! If they put Linda ahead of this department I am afraid it will go down hill. I was in 8th grade teaching the 5th-7th graders how to play because she was asleep!! PLEASE do not put Riley band program to sleep!!!
Former RHS Band Booster Officer. Ms. Howard is not qualified to lead the Wildcat Band. Mr. Balog & Mr. Gorman have both done a great job. Don't change a great thing.
I was in choir for two of the three years that I attended Riley. I was able to hear the band rehearse and play all the time. I know I'm not the only one who would miss the band at football games, when the drum line would come right up to the student section and play loud and fast to get us all hyped up. That marching band is something Riley is known for. I would never want to see it lose its character.
I was a part of this band for almost 10 years as a parent and i can say without regard that It would be very sad not only for the students to lose Mr Balog and Mr Gorman, but all the accomplishments they have done and given these kids go to waste. I dont know why this is even an option as Orchestra and Band are 2 completely different genre's. I truely hope that the band directors stay the same. I could go on and on but i wont. Like the ole saying goes, if it isn't broke, leave it alone!!! #teambalogandgorman
All I have to say is if you have a good thing going for over 10 years why mess with it.
We were super competitive when I was a marching wildcat! I loved every minute of it and so does the student body!
Mr. Balog is a wonderful band director and a very compassionate person. He puts the students needs and interest above all else.
For some reason my comments posted as anonymous. They regarded the integrity of the band. I would like people to know who wrote the comments below.
For some reason my comments posted as anonymous. They regarded the integrity of the band. I would like people to know who wrote the comments below.
I would hope that the integrity of the band would be maintained by keeping Mr Balog and Mr. Gorman. Certain people would be a detriment to the band and music program. You need a grasp of the instruments, marching techniques and how to incorporate music with the performances. The current leaders have a proven track record and are respected.
My daughter's friends (Class of 2007) had nothing but praise for Mr Gorman and Mr Balog. I respect and support their opinion.
team gorman&balog!!!!
gorman is the best! This is nuts!
this is not cool I was in the marching band for 4 years and it was a experience that I will never forget. To even think of doing this is a very bad idea and it will destroy the band and the school Spirit. Dan and Jeff both made that band to be the best and I for one will be very disappointed as a former band member to see such a devastating blow
This is the program that has drawn many kids to go to Riley high. Cutting this program would greatly reduce the success and standing of the school, and reduce the number of children that would ever choose to attend. In addition, it would deprive kids of an important opportunity to discover their own abilities in music and learn important skills such as cooperation and diligence.
Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog were the heart and soul of marching band when I attended. Everything they did was completely for the betterment of the band and were always trying to find ways to make things easier on us. Mrs. Howard might have led orchestra, but definitely isn't experienced enough to lead a band. The band family should remain the way they are. The Pride of the South Side needs Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog, not an orchestra teacher.
I like the aspect of continuity with developing the music program at Marshall and wish Ms Rider success. My concern as a parent, musician, and former HS and College band member is that having an orchestral director as a replacement would pose challenges for the student musicians. I would also recommend that the current directors meet with the administration privately to try and come to a workable solution that benefits the program and ultimately the students.
walking on to a field and hearing the words pride of the south side was truly something to be proud of. She is 100% unfit as she is a orchestra teacher!!
Mr. Gorman and Mr. Balog have done an absolutely wonderful job as band directors. Mrs. Howard can't even stay awake long enough to teach her own orchestra class. She does not deserve this position, and Gorman and Balog do not deserve to be put in this position.