The Niles North band steps out this school year with new expectations, hopes and a new band director ready to conduct them to new heights.

Cheryl Filipek brings excitement and experience to the band program.  After graduating from college, she spent 10 years playing oboe for the United States Air Force and went on to teach at Lincoln Park and Lane Tech High School, marking a total of 12 years of experience in the Chicago Public School District.  After starting her new position here at Niles North, she realized just how much this school has to offer.

“The resources available here are unreal,” she said.

Filipek plans to utilize the many assets offered to students, and grow the band program by hopefully resurrecting the old Beginner Band class, to encourage students with no previous experience to join.

She also hopes to create a strong involvement between the band and the community by broadening performance opportunities and possibly competing next year.

“I really want them to hear what other high schools are playing,” Filipek said.

Competition will not only allow students to receive outside feedback but also motivates them to continue working towards strengthening their musical skills and ultimately reaching the goal of together creating a sound that makes everyone stop and listen.