December 8, 2004
The
Illinois High School Association is pleased to announce that Rex
Benson from Mendota High School has been selected by the National
Federation of State High School Associations to receive the
Outstanding Music Educators Award for Section 4 representing
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The NFHS's membership consists of the state associations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and affiliate member associations, which control, conduct, administer and promote high school interscholastic athletics and activities.
The National Federation of State High School Association recognition of high school or college band, choral or orchestra directors, supervisors and adjudicators is awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted high school programs. Nominees must exemplify the highest standard of ethical conduct, and carry the endorsement of their respective state high school association.
Rex Benson has made significant and long-term contributions to interscholastic high school music activities. His career as a music educator began with his Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from Illinois State University. Rex began his teaching career at Minonk-Dana-Rutland School District where he was the instrumental music instructor for grades 5-12. Rex moved on to Illinois Valley Central School District where he was the Asst. Director of Bands at IVC High School and Director of Bands at Chillicothe Junior High School. Currently Rex is the Fine Arts Chair and Director of Bands at Mendota High School where he also instructs Music Theory and History. Rex has been an active member of the IHSA, IMEA (past state president), MENC, ASBDA, Phi Beta Mu, IAJE, IEA and NEA. His performance experience has included playing the Euphonium, Trombone, or Tuba for the Illinois Valley Community College Wind Ensemble, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Valley Brass Ensemble, Peoria Municipal Band, Prairie Wind Ensemble, King Bros. Circus Band, and the Mendota Brass Ensemble.
In 1998 Rex was the recipient of the Phi Beta Mu - Illinois Outstanding Bandmaster Award and in 1993 Rex won the Excellence in Education Award in LaSalle County.
With over twenty years of service, Rex has served as an Adjudicator, Conductor, Presenter and Lecturer across the state.
Under Rex's direction in 2004 his band participated in the Peach Bowl and has been consistent in successfully placing in the IHSA organization and solo & ensemble contests.
Rex and his wife Christine have two children, Stephanie and Nicholas.