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May 6 Farewell Concert for Director of Bands Jon Dugle; Luncheon Reception May 7

April 18, 2005

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Symphonic Wind Ensemble PresidentÂ’s Concert, schedule for Friday, May 6, will also be the farewell concert for longtime Director of Bands Jon Dugle, who is retiring this spring after 20 years of service at Western.

Concert time is 7:30 p.m. in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall. Admission is free; however, individuals who wish to reserve a seat are encouraged to call the Bands Office, 309/298-1505.

A luncheon buffet reception in recognition of DugleÂ’s retirement will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7 in the Parkview Room at Chandlers, 112 E. Carroll St., Macomb. For reservations, $12.50 per person, contact the Bands Office, 309/298-1505.

Dugle will also conduct the Symphonic Wind Ensemble for Western IllinoisÂ’ graduation ceremonies May 13-14 in Macomb.

“I have truly enjoyed my 20 years at Western. I have had the opportunity to work with dedicated and caring faculty both in and out of the music department. My daughters received excellent educations here and the community has been a fine place to live and work,” said Dugle, whose wife, Diana, has worked in real estate.

“I am pleased with the accomplishments of the department of music and University bands. Many things are in place to see even greater success with the programs,” he added.

Dugle joined the WIU music faculty in 1985. He has conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at numerous performances at conferences and festivals throughout the United States, including the Illinois Music Educators Association, the Music Educators Regional and National Conferences and the College Band Directors National Association Convention. He also conducted WesternÂ’s Concert Band, served as the administrator for Summer Music Camps, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting and instrumental methods and literature and performed with WesternÂ’s faculty Lamoine Brass Quintet.

Dugle was elected into the elite ranks of the American Bandmasters Association (ABA), considered worldwide as the most prestigious bandmaster organization for concert band conductors of distinction, in 2002. Its invitation-only membership ranks include professional, military, university, high school and community band directors. Among its most notable members is legendary bandmaster John Philip Sousa, who was named the first honorary life president in 1929.

He was elected to the Illinois Bandmasters Hall of Fame (1999), was named the College of Fine Arts Outstanding Teacher (1990) and was named Outstanding Band Master in Illinois (1984) by Phi Beta Mu . Dugle also served as president of the Illinois Music Educators Association (1989-1991). A faculty excellence awards recipient at Western, he also is a member of College Band Directors National Association, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Delta Kappa and Phi Mu Alpha.

Prior to coming to Western, Dugle was director of bands at Danville (IL) High School (1971-1985), where his bands received high recognition, including invitations to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra International Clinic and two Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conferences. He also taught in Hoopeston (IL) from 1965-1971.

“After 41 years of teaching, I am looking forward to relaxing a bit with hobbies, grandchildren and enjoying the great outdoors in Tennessee,” Dugle said. “I intend to take time away from music and concentrate on other interests for at least the near term.”

Dugle earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in music education and his Doctor of Education in Music from the University of Illinois.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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