Music Program
Music classes at Clinton are part of a comprehensive program, beginning in Kindergarten, which is centered on the musical processes of performing, creating, listening and responding, and connecting music to other disciplines. We do this through the application of the basic skills of rhythm, singing, and artistic expression. These skills, which are fundamental to participation in music throughout life, are consistently reinforced as students progress through training in music reading, music vocabulary, composition, dance, instruments, history, style, and much more. Students demonstrate learning through performance-based activities, listening-based activities, project-based activities, and writing.
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OUR VISION
DeWitt Clinton Elementary School envisions a school community where all students have access to the transferable social, emotional and intellectual skills gained through high-quality music education. We believe that the process of creating, responding and connecting to music is just as important as performing it. |
OUR MISSION
The Clinton Music Department will provide all students with a comprehensive, standards-based music education. The study of music fosters artistic development, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of life-long learning. Through performing and responding to music, all students develop individual skills, realize a sense of belonging, and establish connections to the community. |
Meet our Music Teachers!
Bio: Mr. Thomas Ng
Mr. Thomas Ng graduated from Niles West High School and then attended North Park University where he received his Bachelor's degree. Additionally, he attended The Merit School of Music which is located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.
Mr. Ng is in his 2nd year of music education and has been at Clinton since 2017. Mr. Ng has also taught at Edgebrook Elementary where he worked as a SECA prior to his appointment as the music teacher. As a musician, Mr. Ng has been playing the cello for 17 years. He has been awarded the highest honors at many Solo & Ensemble competitions and also was the recipient of the Leadership Award for his work cultivating a growth focused cello section. Mr. Ng also plays the guitar. Mr. Ng believes that music is foundational to our growth as individuals, allowing us to use lessons learned in the music classroom and apply it in our everyday lives. |
Bio: Mr. Mike Madonia
Mr. Mike Madonia graduated from St. Rita High School and then attended DePaul University where he received his Bachelors degree and then received his Masters of music education degree from VanderCook College in Chicago.
Mr. Madonia is in his 37th year of music education and has been at Clinton since 2015. Besides teaching music at DeWitt Clinton elementary, he has taught at several schools during his career, including currently the Director of Bands at Robert Morris University in Illinois. His previous positions include, Director of Bands at Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana, and Weber High School in Chicago, Illinois. During his tenure at these schools, his marching, jazz and concert bands have won over 800 awards at festivals including; Bands of America regional finalists 2 times, Illinois State Marching championship finalist 2 times, Illinois State Concert Band Champions 7 times, and University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Champions. Outside the classroom, Mr. Madonia is very active as a trumpet player in various musical ensembles in the Chicagoland Area and has played with musicians from the Tonight Show through members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Madonia serves as the Executive Director for the Midwest Music Festival and the Chicago Area Jazz Festival. Mr. Madonia has been an active member of IMEA/MENC, is the recipient of 5 National Band Association Citations of Excellence, and is also a member of the College Band Directors National Association. In 2010 Mr. Madonia was a recipient of the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award from Quinlan and Fabish Music. |
