Band

Mr. Stavros Makropoulos was named the Band Director at Palos 118 in 2021 and oversees the entire school district's band program including middle school and 5th grade programs. In addition to band, Mr. Makropoulos is also the lighting and sound director for the Palos South Drama Club program.

Prior to joining our District, he worked as Band Director in the Midlothian School District from 2015-2021 and as Assistant Band Director and Music Teacher at Aux Sable Middle School in the Plainfield School District from 2011 -2015. He has also worked with the Lincoln-Way North Marching Band, the Lincoln-Way East Marching Band, Andrew High School Marching Band, and has served as a solo-ensemble judge for several festivals.

Mr. Makropoulos started playing clarinet in 6th grade at Conrady Jr. High, attended Stagg High School, and received his undregraduate degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University in 2011. While at WIU, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, University Band, Pep Pand, and The Marching Leathernecks. He also performed in small ensemble groups, and as a soloist for numerous recitals.

Symphonic (8th Grade) Band
The Symphonic Band is comprised of 8^th grade band students who have attained a performance level commensurate to the other members of the ensemble. Rehearsal and performance literature is geared toward providing challenging and interesting performances, as well as enhancing the skills necessary for high school band. As the premier performing ensemble in the program, The Symphonic Band performs at most of the events listed in the Band Calendar.

Concert (7th Grade) Band
The Concert Band is comprised of 7^th grade band students who have attained a performance level commensurate to the other members of the ensemble. Rehearsal and performance literature is geared toward providing challenging and interesting performances, as well as enhancing the skills necessary for Symphonic Band. The Concert Band performs at most of the events listed in the Band Calendar.

Cadet (6th Grade) Band
The Cadet Band is comprised of 6^th grade band students. Rehearsal and performance literature is geared toward the development of skills and fundamentals that enable members to successfully advance to Concert Band and Symphonic. The Cadet Band performs at most of the events listed in the Band Calendar.

The Jazz Band is an extra-curricular ensemble comprised of students in the 7th and 8th grade bands who play the instruments most suited to this style of music. Students are considered for membership based on a performance audition and/or the instrumentation needs of the group and are placed into the performing ensemble. The Jazz Band performs at some of the events listed in the Band Calendar however, some additional performances may be scheduled. Rehearsals take place every Tuesday after school from 2:45-3:35.

The Percussion Ensemble is open to all 7th and 8th grade students who can play precise rhythms and have at least intermediate percussion technique. All percussionists are automatically members. The Cardinal Percussion Ensemble performs at the Palos South Fine Arts Festival and other school concerts. Traditional percussion ensemble music will be performed along with other “non-traditional” repertoire ala Stomp and the Blue Man Group. Rehearsals take place every Monday after school from 2:45-3:35. Click here to learn more.

Students can find examples of music they're learning and other helpful resources on Mr. Makropoulos' student resource page.