Mr. Freeland received his Bachelor of Music Education from DePaul University in Chicago and holds a Masters Degree in School Administration.  He has been the Director of Bands at Central Middle School in Tinley Park, Illinois since 2000.  Under his direction, the Central Middle School Concert and Symphonic Bands have consistently received division one ratings at the Illinois Grade School Music Association Organization Band Contest. His group has performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and many schools throughout the Midwest, including; University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, Oberlin Conservatory, DePaul University, University of Illinois and St. Olaf College. The Symphonic Band was awarded Grand Champion at Illinois State University’s State of Illinois Invitational Contest and was awarded first place at the prestigious Illinois SuperState Band Festival. Mr. Freeland has served as a mentor through the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and is in the following publications; Instrumentalist Magazine, Growing Musicians: Teaching Music in Middle School and Beyond, and Building Strong Music Programs.  Mr. Freeland is the recipient of the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award, nominated for a Golden Apple Award, and a Music Educators Grammy Award.  Mr. Freeland is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association (NBA), Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) and Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA).  In addition to his roles at Central Middle School, he remains active as an adjudicator and a clinician throughout the state.  Mr. Freeland and his wife have three children, Ellie, Nate, and Abby along with two dogs, Bear and Teddy.

​Mr. Jason Freeland
Director of Bands
www.district146bands.com
[email protected]
Instagram@d146bands
 

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Sara Barnes is the Assistant Director of Bands at Central Middle School in Tinley Park, Illinois, where she is committed to fostering musical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for music in her students. Under her direction, the Central Middle School Concert and Symphonic bands have continued to receive division one ratings at the Illinois Grade School Music Association Organization Band Contest and have been invited to perform at the Illinois SuperState Band Festival. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois State University and brings a diverse and well-rounded background to her teaching. In addition to her work in instrumental music, Sara brings more than a decade of experience at the general music level, equipping her with a strong foundation in comprehensive music education, choral direction, and student-centered instruction. She has also maintained an active private flute studio for over 15 years, working with students across numerous programs throughout the southwest suburbs. Sara is an active member of the music education community, having served as an adjudicator for local Choral Festivals and IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contests. She has also been invited to serve as a guest conductor for local programs, reflecting her commitment to collaboration and musical leadership.




​Mrs. Sara Barnes
Assistant Director of Bands
www.district146bands.com
sbarnes@district146.org
Instagram@d146bands


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