About Mr. VanMiddlesworth Mr. Van, as his student's call him, is currently the Director of Bands here in Tonganoxie, KS of grades 5-12. He holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Kansas. Under Mr. Van's 19 years of teaching in the Tonganoxie School District the High School Bands and Middle School Bands have performed in numerous Marching festivals, parades, and competitions.
Mr. Van's primary instrument is Saxophone and he continues to perform professionally as a Jazz Musician in Kansas City, Topeka, and the Metropolitan areas. Mr. Van has performed with the Dave Steven's Swing Orchestra, Swing 39 Jazz Ensemble, and has also performed saxophone at the National Missionary Convention in their worship band. Mr. Van has also performed for the Kansas City Chiefs and in The John Phillip Sousa Band. Mr. Van currently performs in The Lawrence City Band in Lawrence, KS. |
Band Accolades
|
Under Mr. Van's direction The Tonganoxie High School Band have made four Bowl Game appearances. The High School Band has performed in the Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX) in 2000, the Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN) in 2002 and 2006, and the Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, TX) in 2004. During the festivals and competitions associated with the Bowl Game festivities the Band has earned numerous awards for their high level of performance. The band has received awards for Outstanding Drum Majors, Outstanding Percussion, 1st Place in the Parade Competition (Liberty Bowl 2002), Outstanding General Effect, 2nd and 3rd place in Field Show Competition, 2nd Place in the Jazz Band Competition and at the Liberty Bowl in 2002 the Band received The Sweepstakes Award which is awarded to the band earning the highest points at the festival.
The High School Band has also qualified numerous students at Regional and State Solo and Ensemble Music Festivals in the Spring and has earned Superior ratings at the State Large Groups Music Festival. The Tonganoxie Band has also qualified students to perform in the State Band and State Orchestra at the KMEA State Music Convention. |
Contact Me |