MR. MATTHEW EATON

Mr. Eaton is currently in his 9^th year as Director of Bands at Meridian Junior High School. He is in his 19^th year of teaching instrumental music. He received his Bachelors of Music Education Degree in 1990 from Western Illinois University and is currently working on receiving his Masters in Music Education. He is also a 1986 graduate of Dixon High School. Mr. Eaton is in high demand as a performer, adjudicator, and private lesson instructor around Northern Illinois. He is Principal Percussionist for the Sterling Municipal Symphony Band, Dixon Municipal Band, and Rock Valley Junior College Concert Band. He also performs with the Rockford Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Eaton and the program at Meridian Junior High School recognized nationally as an outstanding music program as he received the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Teaching Award in 2007 presented at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He also was recognized by the Meridian School District for the Teacher of the Year Award in 2004.

Mr. Eaton is the Organizational Chairperson for the IMEA District 8 Senior Band. He is a member of many professional organizations such as MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, IMEA, National Band Association.