PBL Jr. High Instrumental Music Staff

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Nuss - is the head band director for the Jr. High band program. She came to Paxton in 1984. Mrs. Nuss began her musical career at the age of 6 with piano instruction in the South Suburbs of Chicago. She then began playing in the 5th grade band at Waterman Elementary School in South Holland, Illinois. Mrs. Nuss continued to enjoy music, performing with various school groups through high school. While attending Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, Mrs. Nuss was awarded the John Philip Sousa outstanding musician award, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz award. She was drum major for her Junior and Senior years, as well as saxophone section leader at Thornridge High School. Mrs. Nuss earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois, on the T.J. Smith music scholarship. She earned her master’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois on an academic scholarship. Mrs. Nuss has 29 years teaching experience in the Illinois public schools. She began her teaching career in Forreston, Illinois in 1982. After coming to Paxton in 1984, Mrs. Nuss spent one year as assistant director before taking over the 5th through 12th grade unit program as head director. From 1985 through 1996, Mrs. Nuss directed the high school bands and the beginning band here in Paxton. In the fall of 1996, Mrs. Nuss moved over to the Jr. High to head those Bands. Mrs. Nuss is a woodwind specialist having majored in saxophone while at the University of Illinois. She performed in countless organizations while at the University including Symphonic Band, Jazz Bands, Marching Illini, Orange Crush Pep Band, University saxophone quartet, University’s spring musical pit orchestra and many more. Mrs. Nuss is an adjudicator for many area competitions. She was guest jazz clinician for the bi-annual Illinois Elementary School Association’s music teacher’s conference in 2000. Nuss also was guest conductor for the Illinois Music Educator’s Association all-district jazz ensemble in 2002, and again in 2007. She was awarded the distinguished 25-year service in music education award by the I.M.E.A. in January of 2008.

Mrs. Nuss resides at Lake Iroquois in Loda, Illinois with her husband Mitch, son Erik, and dog Spot.

 

Mr. Timothy Hess - Began his musical studies at the age of ten while attending Winnebago Grade School in Winnebago, Illinois. During his school years, Mr. Hess was involved in the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra. Additionally, Mr. Hess served as the principal trumpet for the Rockford area Youth Symphony. Mr. Hess sharpened his musical marching skills as a member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. After high school, Mr. Hess enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned basic training at the Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Upon completion of boot camp, Mr. Hess completed basic music training and was assigned as a trumpet player with the Quantico Marine Band in Quantico, Virginia. The next tour sent Mr. Hess to the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, where he graduated from the intermediate course of instruction and was assigned as a faculty member at the school. During his tenure at the school, Mr. Hess taught classroom theory and ear training as well as studio trumpet lessons. During his first year of instruction, Corporal Hess was awarded the William O. Florstedt award for instructional excellence. Mr. Hess was next sent on to Okinawa, Japan for a one-year tour as a trumpet player in the III Marine Division Band. Mr. Hess’ final tour was with the IV Marine Division Band in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his final tour, Mr. Hess was selected as the Marine of the year for both the IV Marine Reserve Force, and the Navy League of New Orleans. His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (third award), and the National Defense Service Medal. After over 11 years of faithful service in the Corps, Mr. Hess separated and attended the University of Illinois earning a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. His first teaching experience was with the Atwood-Hammond School District. During his tenure, the High School band enjoyed over 400% growth. Mr. Hess is currently the director of instrumental music for Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School. Mr. Hess is married to the former Barbara Walters of Neligh, Nebraska and has four daughters; Catherine, Christina, Tabitha, and Jennifer.