SARAH WALCZYK
Mrs. Walczyk graduated from Libertyville High School, a northern suburb of Chicago. Up until that time, she took private lessons with Casper Bogosian out of Glenview, Illinois. In 1995, she completed her studies at Illinois State University where she earned her Bachelor of Music (B.S. Music), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.), and Master of Music degrees (M.M. with Honors). While a member of the ISU Jazz Combo, Walczyk received outstanding musicianship awards from the Aquinas College and Elmhurst College Jazz Festivals. Mrs. Walczyk studied applied saxophone at ISU with Professor James Boitos, and her conducting studies were with Dr. Steven Steele.
Since 1995, Mrs. Walczyk has been with Decatur Public Schools District 61. Her first 18 years were spent at Eisenhower High School (and various elementary assignments) as Director of Instrumental Music which included Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band & Combo, Orchestra, and various small ensembles – all of which earned top honors at many competitions, including the Smoky Mountain Music Festival, Gatlinburg, TN. Other teaching responsibilities included multiple levels of music theory, beginning and second-year band at the grade school level, and 6th Grade All-City Honors Band. Her current assignment includes Beginning Band and Second Year Band at four grade schools throughout the district, and she is Chair of the annual Elementary Band Festival.
While the saxophone is Mrs. Walczyk’s main instrument, she is confident and qualified to teach clarinet & flute lessons as well (up to advanced level).