My personal and professional worlds collided at the University of Illinois on Saturday. I'm very proud of, and extremely grateful for my NU roots, yet I've always admired the incredible traditions and revered musicianship of the University of Illinois Bands. I grew to love Steve and Beth Peterson while at Northwestern, and they have become such dear friends of our family over the years. They, in consort with the incomparable Barry L. Houser, are taking a storied U of I program to new heights, and I couldn't be happier for what this means for Music Education in our state. It was a great deal of fun to see them all "in action" Saturday, and for Miles (performing) and Emery (spectator) to be a part of Band Day as well.
