Wheaton instructor named EYSO's Music Educator of the Year
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will award Julie Bickel of Wheaton with its annual Music Educator of the Year at 2, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16.
The Music Educator of the Year award recognizes a music educator who has made a significant contribution to music education and been particularly supportive of the EYSO. Julie Bickel will receive the award during the "Fantastical Banquet" concerts on March 16.
Bickel has long been a part of the local music community adding one achievement after another to her many accomplishments. She joined the Wheaton College Community School of the Arts faculty in 1999 as a violin instructor and director of the Vivaldi Strings chamber group.
As the director of the Vivaldi Strings touring group, she has prepared the group for national tours throughout the U.S. and international tours in Canada, China, Italy, and Puerto Rico. The group has been featured on ABC and NBC Chicago affiliates as well as Beijing TV and the NHK Japanese-English website.
In 2012, the group was invited, all expenses paid, by the Chinese government to represent the U.S. along with 42 other countries in the International Children's Culture and Art Festival. In June 2014, the group will be touring Japan. Her dedication to her students is evident in her work to advance their learning and performance opportunities.
Bickel also has a stellar performance history. She currently performs with the Butterfield String Quartet with colleagues, Anita Arch, Emily Puntuzs, and Dr. Tanya Carey. When not teaching, performing, developing opportunities for her students, or touring, Bickel enjoys quilting for Lutheran World Relief and spending time with her husband Brian and 2-year old daughter Lucy.
Bickel is grateful for the honor being bestowed upon her by the EYSO as it has been a privilege to teach students who participate in this high quality organization. It is with honor the EYSO recognizes Julie Bickel's contributions to music as well as the EYSO.
Performances will take place at 2, 4:30 and 7:30. m. Sunday, March 16, in the Blizzard Theatre at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Tickets are sold in advance and at the door. Call the ECC box office at (847) 622-0300 or visit tickets.elgin.edu. Tickets are $24 for the general public; $19 for seniors; or $13 for students. All tickets are reserved seating.