Becky Weiler

Becky Weiler is not originally from Ottawa. What attracted her from the suburbs to the Illinois Valley was not rock or pop music, but rather the vibrant scene of chamber and orchestra music. Her journey began when her husband secured a position as a music teacher and band director in nearby LaSalle. Shortly thereafter, Becky was hired for a similar role at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa. “We are so grateful to have made the Illinois Valley our new home,” she notes. “There is an abundance of excellent music here, and we have met many wonderful people.” Although she has only been here for two short years, Becky is already well-acquainted with the local music community, recognizing the names of students and teachers involved in music.

From her own school days as a flutist, Ms. Weiler had heard about the quality of the Ottawa band program. When asked if she had considered playing another instrument, she replies, “No, it was flute all the way.” Reflecting on her journey to becoming a band director, she adds, “Looking back, it’s amusing to recall the entire process. Getting a sound out on the flute can be quite tricky at first, but that was my destiny. I’ve always loved playing the flute.”

Ms. Weiler believes that “Music offers an opportunity for everyone to work together towards a common goal, and in doing so, everybody wins. We all feel a sense of accomplishment.” As a beginning band director, she finds joy in witnessing the significant growth of her students, “from not knowing how to open their cases, to performing full pages of sheet music at our music fest. Observing this growth over such a short period is truly exciting, especially in my position.”

The theme of teamwork recurs throughout our conversation. Ms. Weiler attributes the success of the music programs in the Ottawa school district to the strong collaboration among music teachers and band leaders. She highlights her co-teacher at Central, Martin Czernicki, who recently won a state music educators award. “He supports the lessons daily, and by the time the students advance to Shepherd Middle School, they are already familiar with him,” she explains. This seamless transition is a testament to effective team planning. The support from the entire school, including staff and administrators, is crucial. Becky praises building administrators, Carrie and John, for ensuring the spaces are well-maintained and set up for success. The turnout for concerts is impressive, with students, teachers, families, and administrators (including District Superintendent Dr. Lee, who has attended every school concert) showing their support with flowers, cameras, and proud, teary-eyed hugs.

We discuss the link between dedication to music and success in other life aspects among youth. Becky observes a strong correlation between participation in band and achievements in academics, sports, and clubs. She refers to a recent study indicating a high percentage of music students pursue pre-med in higher education. “Music will take you places you never expected,” Becky often tells her students, encouraging them to be open to the journey ahead.

The skills developed through music, such as discipline and commitment, are invaluable in almost any future career. Becky recalls how even Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles football player, has credited his music education with aiding his professional development. She used to display a quote from Kelce on her bulletin board to inspire her students, reinforcing the idea that being in the band is cool. To generate interest in the band, she visits elementary schools in the spring, introducing children to live music and encouraging them to sign up.

Her advice to students is straightforward: “Practice, practice, practice!” She admits to not practicing enough as a student and not knowing how to read music, which, in her view, has made her a stronger teacher. “I can relate to students who struggle initially and also to those who grasp it quickly. I employ strategies to reach all of them,” she explains. Becky aims to make the band room a welcoming place, where students can find friends and a sense of belonging. She and her team are dedicated to ensuring that playing music will always help students find community, in Ottawa or wherever they may roam.