Hello everyone! My name is Emma Wierenga. This will be my first year as the Director of Bands in El Paso-Gridley. I grew up in Eureka, IL and attended school in District #140. I then attended Olivet Nazarene University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education, and Bachelor’s of Music in Saxophone Performance, and a minor in Spanish. My primary instruments are saxophone, piano, and french horn, however, I have performed on almost every instrument. Over the last few years I have been involved with many performing ensembles, including but not limited to: marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, orchestra, steel drum band, hand bell choir, jazz combo, gospel choir, and more.
My marching arts career has included being a member of the Marching Hornets at Eureka High School, the Olivet Nazarene University Tiger Marching Band, and touring with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps as a Drum Major. I now spend the summer as a member of the administrative staff touring with Cadets. Outside of teaching band, I am a private instrumental lesson instructor, an accompanist, am involved with music ministry at my church, and am a photographer.
These are my goals for the instrumental music program at EPG:
Make participation in instrumental music and performance available and achievable to all students at El Paso-Gridley High School
Create an environment where students feel welcomed, loved, and supported in their development of abilities both in and out of the classroom. Promote the values of family, respect, responsibility, dedication, and hard work toward a shared goal
Provide a suitable foundation in music instruction for students who elect to continue the study of music after graduation and into their careers
Develop a life-long appreciation for music, even if students ultimately choose to not continue in music after graduation
Strive for personal and ensemble improvement every single day. Give your best, continually raise the standards, and the rest will come
Develop performing organizations that are a source of pride for the individual, the school district, and the community
I am so excited to begin this new journey as the band director in El Paso-Gridley and I cannot wait to see what these students will be able to accomplish this year. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have! I look forward to meeting all of you in the weeks to come!