Mr. Bontjes
Christopher Bontjes, piano instructor at Judith Giacoma Elementary, received his Baccalaureate degree in music education from Western Illinois University in 1991 and completed his Masters degree in music education in 1995 at the same institution. As a student, Mr. Bontjes was a performing member of Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Concert Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet and Trombone Choir. While at WIU, he performed with such noted artists as Diane Schuur, Snooky Young and the Temptations. He was a winner of the Student Conductors Competition, received the Music Department Baccalaureate Scholar Award, and was invited to return as a guest speaker for the university's chapter of the Illinois Collegiate Music Educators Association. His marching credits include soloist with the WIU marching band and a season with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Prior to his appointment at Judith Giacoma Elementary in 2009, Mr. Bontjes served for ten years as the director of bands at Westvile Junior High and High School, where his bands consistently received local and national accliam.
At Giacoma, Mr. Bontjes teaches group piano lessons to students in grades K-6. He is responsible for teaching about 750 students and contacts them all once each four school days.
In September of 2013, Rowman & Littlefield Education Press published Mr. Bontjes' book, "Create Captivating Classes: Why NCLB Should Mean No Child Left Bored." The book (available here) details how teachers can improve student engagement and retention by looking at their lessons and their classrooms from an entertainer's point of view. He now presents workshops to teachers ranging from local to national levels.
Mr. Bontjes is a member of the Illinois Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, National Education Association, Westville Education Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity. He is active as a performer, educator, composer, arranger, drill designer, clinician and adjudicator.
At Giacoma, Mr. Bontjes teaches group piano lessons to students in grades K-6. He is responsible for teaching about 750 students and contacts them all once each four school days.
In September of 2013, Rowman & Littlefield Education Press published Mr. Bontjes' book, "Create Captivating Classes: Why NCLB Should Mean No Child Left Bored." The book (available here) details how teachers can improve student engagement and retention by looking at their lessons and their classrooms from an entertainer's point of view. He now presents workshops to teachers ranging from local to national levels.
Mr. Bontjes is a member of the Illinois Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, National Education Association, Westville Education Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity. He is active as a performer, educator, composer, arranger, drill designer, clinician and adjudicator.