Episode 28: Matt Temple, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL

The Bandmasters Podcast

Matt Temple discusses the music program at New Trier High School, philosophies on competition in music, and comprehensive musicianship.

FULL BIO

Matt Temple was appointed Director of Bands at New Trier High School in 2007. He conducts the curricular Freshman Concert Band, Concert Jazz Ensemble, Varsity Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. His extracurricular groups include Pep Band, Solo/Ensemble, Pit Orchestra for the Fresh/Soph Musical, and Lagniappe, New Trier's student-written musical. In 2008, he wrote a comprehensive wind ensembles curriculum that guides student instruction throughout the program. Mr. Temple earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree in conducting from Eastern Illinois University. He also completed an additional master's degree in educational leadership through Aurora University.

Under Mr. Temple's direction, the New Trier Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed at the 2015 NBA Director's Workshop, 2012 Midwest Clinic, 2010 Western Illinois University Showcase of Bands, 2009 Music for All National Concert Band Festival, and the 2008 and 2009 University of Illinois Superstate Festivals. In 2014, the New Trier band department received national recognition as an inaugural recipient of the "Blue Ribbon Award" for Programs of Excellence from the National Band Association. Prior to his appointment at New Trier, Mr. Temple served as the Fine Arts Chair at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, from 2000-2007, and as the music director at Flora High School from 1994-1998.

Mr. Temple is a Contributing Editor for The Instrumentalist and completed a four-year term on the Advisory Committee for the Music Educator's Journal. He is currently serving his second term as a high school representative on the Board of Directors for the National Band Association. Mr. Temple is a co-founding member and President Elect of the Illinois committee for Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP). In 2015, Mr. Temple was recognized by his colleagues with the "Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award" presented by the Quinlan and Fabish Music Company. He is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the honorary society, Phi Beta Mu.

Mr. Temple has presented multiple clinic sessions at the Indiana and Illinois State Music Conferences including, "Analyzing for Meaning," " Student-Centered Instruction in a Band Rehearsal," " Writing Innovative Curricula for Performance-Based Classes," and "The Impact of Music Selection on Student Learning." In December 2014, he presented a session at the Midwest Clinic, and he will present there again this year. Mr. Temple has also presented at Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Illinois State University, and Ball State University. He frequently serves as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States.