Forget about the hills; John “Jack” Schroeder is alive with the sound of music.
The Janesville native and Craig High grad has been an integral part of the Rock County-based Green Beret Marching Band since its inception in 1966. Aside from arranging and composing music for the group, Schroeder also has served as its director for the past 30
years.
This summer, the band earned a gold rating and Best in Class in the Sound Sport International Division of DCI in Indianapolis, Indiana; firsts at events in Fort Atkinson and Traverse City, Michigan, and seconds in competition in Racine at at a Mid-America Competing Band Directors Association finals event in Whitewater.
In addition to his work with the Green Berets, Schroeder also arranges and composes music for his church choir at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Janesville, and assists the Milton High School Marching Band with its fall program each year. He also has performed with the Choral Union in Janesville, and with the Southern Lakes Masterpiece Chorale in Elkhorn.
Academically, Schroeder holds a degree in avionics from Blackhawk Technical College. He also studied music theory and composition at the Anatowind Music Clinic in Beloit under founder Joe Simmons. Personally, Schroeder retired from AT&T in 2007 after 34 years with the company. He is married to Diana, and the couple have two sons: John T. and Ronald.
September 2023
I wrote a short introductory to Music Manual that answers all the questions I wished I had the answers to when I started music. It's not long or involved but I approached this manual as if building a house. This manual starts in the basement giving students a strong foundation to build upon. The manual is an ongoing work which begins with notes and rests, where to hang them on a staff, time signatures and basic counting. I introduced the Manual to 6th and 7th graders at Medford Middle School. I will tell you about that experience in my next report.
October 2021
Jack will be be updating everyone on his corner on his visit to a public school band program where he introduced music theory using the clinic teaching process materials to help each individual relate to the importance of music theory
A sample of background information for clinic theory courses.
Feb 2021
An article about Jack Schroeder, a clinic board member and his work with the Milton High School Marching Band this past Fall, September 2020
Aug 2020 - Following is information on a new book that is being developed dealing with music theory related to the Clinic teaching process.
Foreword:
Please take a moment to read this before starting your program. Why this program when there are hundreds of other method books already written? You are about to begin the only music program written as a result of years of research by the Anatowind Music Clinic.
The purpose of this book:
1. You will learn the difference between good and poor tone. Go to Anatowind.com for examples.
2. You will also learn basic rhythm, note values, counting techniques, and basic theory. All of which will make your musical journey easier and fulfilling!
3. This is a basic reference for starting musicians. All 'Rules' have exceptions but here are ‘Basic Rules' you can use your whole life.
4. There are many patterns in music, recognizing these patterns will make music easier to understand and more fun to play!
Jack Schroeder
Board of Dispensary,
Anatowind Music Clinic reg.
Feb 2020
All music and so all music theory can be reduced to one sentence. 'Music always makes sense.' Some music "follows all the rules' other composers try their best to break all the rules but even when breaking the rules they set up new rules. When you follow the new rules again 'music always makes sense.'
