Addison Trail Music Department Head honored with ISBE Those Who Excel award

During its May 22 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the administration, recognized Mark Corey (pictured above), who recently received an Award of Meritorious Service in the Teacher category through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)’s Those Who Excel program. Those Who Excel honors individuals who have made significant contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.

To watch the presentation, click on the video above.

Corey has been part of the District 88 family for 28 years and serves as Director of Bands and Music Department Head at Addison Trail. During his time with the school, enrollment in band has nearly tripled, and two jazz ensembles have been added. Under Corey’s direction, Addison Trail ensembles have performed at numerous festivals and venues throughout the U.S.

Corey earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education and his master’s degree in Music Performance from DePaul University and received his certificate in Teacher Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Corey began his career in Lyons, teaching a complete band program for grades 4 through 8.

Along with teaching at Addison Trail, Corey leads a music education course at Elmhurst University that focuses on integrating technology with music instruction. He also serves as a consultant, facilitator and trainer for integrating curriculum design with the internet, developing online content to supplement the traditional classroom experience.

Corey also has enjoyed a career as a freelance musician. His performing credits include numerous local engagements as a sideman for various bands, as well as jingles for national campaigns. He has played with Nelson Riddle, Curtis Mayfield, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole and Aretha Franklin.

Corey has been awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award and is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association (NBA) and Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), where he has been audition and festival host, All-State Auditions Chair, District Band Representative, District President and State President. He is on the Teachers Advisory Panel for MusicFirst Classroom as well, which is an online suite of music applications designed to deliver instruction and assessment of musical skills in an online format.

District 88 congratulates Corey on this tremendous accomplishment and thanks him for the positive impact he continues to make on the learning community.