Meet Dale Bartlett, Alleman Band Director

Hear from Dale Bartlett, Alleman’s current Band Director on why music education is so important and the goals to build the program.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a native of Moline and a graduate of Black Hawk College and Illinois State University. I am currently taking graduate courses through Vandercook College of Music in Chicago. I have taught music and band for 33 years in Illinois schools.

After finishing my career in Rockford, I returned home to Moline to help care for my aging parents. I heard about the opening of the Band Director position from Joe Shaw, an Alleman employee and former student of mine. Throughout my career, I have helped start or rebuild 

several music programs, and I am excited for what lies ahead at Alleman.

Why is music education so important?

Music changed my life. My band directors taught me discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the value of hard work. Band also gave me a sense of belonging and joy that has stayed with me throughout my life. Research continues to show that learning an instrument  engages the entire brain and often improves performance in other academic areas. Unlike many activities that provide instant gratification, music teaches patience, focus, and persistence. Students learn that meaningful growth comes through consistent effort.

My goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered and invested in the program. I want them to have a voice in the music we perform and the experiences we pursue. One of my favorite teaching philosophies is: “If you want to make fast progress, practice slowly. If you want to make slow progress, practice quickly.” Learning music teaches valuable life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

What are your goals for the Alleman Band program?

My goals for the band program focus on providing high-quality instruction while ensuring that all students feel included, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

A key part of this is encouraging students to take ownership of their musical growth by practicing regularly and, when possible, pursuing private lessons to further develop their skills. As students improve, we will be able to expand the variety and complexity of music performed by our ensembles. 

Another important goal is improving scheduling so that band is accessible to all students in grades 5 through 12. Over the past year, we have lost several students due to conflicts with classes or sports. I strongly believe students should be able to participate in both band and athletics if they choose. I was involved in basketball, baseball, and bowling while growing up and understand the value of balancing multiple activities. In the future, having all band ensembles meet during the school day as part of the regular schedule could help reduce these conflicts when and if that becomes possible. 

As the program grows, we will also need to invest in instruments. Families are responsible for purchasing or renting most smaller instruments, while the school provides larger instruments. Currently, however, we do not have a baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, or a working tuba. Over time, acquiring and maintaining these instruments will be important to supporting a complete band program. I have also begun replacing aging marching percussion equipment by purchasing one or two instruments each year, which will help position us to start a marching band when the program is ready. 

Performance opportunities will continue to expand as the program develops. For now, my primary goals include presenting two concerts each year and performing at a few basketball games. As students gain experience and confidence, we will look to participate in additional school and community events. I will also encourage interested students to take advantage of optional opportunities such as Solo and Ensemble Contest, as well as district and state festivals sponsored by the Illinois Music Educators Association. 

Any other thoughts you’d like to share with the Alleman community? 

Building a successful band program takes the support of students, parents, faculty, alumni, and the community. We all have a role to play. By working together, one step at a time, we can continue growing something special for our students. With God’s grace, great things are possible. 

If you are interested in supporting the band program, please contact Dale at dbartlett@allemanhighschool.org.