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Jeff Neavor is the Fine Arts Chair and Director
of Bands at Morton High School in Morton, Illinois. He received
his Bachelor of Music Education from Millikin University in
1997 and went on to receive his Master of Music Education from
Illinois State University in 2006.
At Morton High School, Mr. Neavor teaches music theory and
directs the Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble,
Pep Band, and the award-winning MHS Marching Band. He also
assists with the 7th and 8th grade bands at Morton Junior
High School.
Under his direction, the program has more than doubled in
size, growing from 60 to 140. Thanks to the mentoring program
of Katrina Fitzpatrick at Morton Junior High School, enrollment
has consistently risen for the last ten years. The marching
band has been extremely successful, with 7 consecutive Illinois
State Class 2A Championships, 2 University of Illinois Grand
Champion Awards, a 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade selection,
and a Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional Finalist appearance
and 3rd place Class AA finish. In 2010, the marching band
advanced to the Bands of America Grand Nationals Semifinals
for the first time and placed 3rd in Class AA.
The Jazz Ensemble and Concert Bands have performed and competed
at festivals throughout Illinois, and performed along with
the marching band at the Fiesta Festival in San Antonio, Texas.
The Symphonic Winds recently made their first appearance at
the prestigious Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival
at the University of Illinois. In 2012the Morton High School
Music Department was also recognized as a GRAMMY Signature
School Semifinalist. With over 20 former students pursuing
music education, Mr. Neavor was featured in the SBO Magazine
2009 article “50 Directors Who Make Difference.”
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