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
[email protected]
@FreelandBAND146
Mr. Jason Freeland
Director of Bands
[email protected]
@FreelandBAND146
Mrs. McBride has been the assistant band director at District 146 since 2015. She teaches 5th-8th grade band, with a focus on Beginning Band. Mrs. McBride received her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Western Illinois University and her Master’s in Music Education from University of Florida. Prior to teaching at D146, she has been on faculty at numerous schools in the Illinois South Suburbs for marching band, wood technique, and private instruction. She actively adjudicates in the state for school ensemble auditions, solo and ensemble contests, and ILMEA auditions. In addition to her teaching roles in District 146, she has been teaching and performing in the Winter Guard International Midwest Color Guard Circuit for 15 years. Mrs. McBride and her husband CJ have a tuxedo cat named Thomas O’Malley.
Mrs. Christina McBride
Assistant Director of Bands
[email protected]
@McBrideBAND146