Director of Bands at Downers Grove High School from 1929 until 1963,
Clarence J. Shoemaker was vitally interested in young people. He was an exemplary music teacher and band
director. His expertise in the
development of musical enjoyment through dedicated participation in the grade
school and high school concert and marching band programs was widely
acclaimed. Recognition of achievement by
the bands he led included local, state and national awards from his peers. It is fitting that a memorial to his love for
students and musical excellence is established in the form of a scholarship for outstanding instrumentalists
who are members of the institution to which he devoted most of his career.
For nearly three decades the CJS Band Scholarship Fund has provided
much needed financial support for students from Downes Grove North and Downers Grove South to attend summer music camps. In reality, these enrichment experiences
become central to the success of our bands each year, because each student who
attends a summer band camp returns to their respective school and shares their
improved skills and enthusiasm with their peers.
Donate Today!
Are you an alumnus of the Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, or original Downers Grove High School Band programs? Please consider making a deductible donation to support the Clarence J. Shoemaker Scholarship Fund. There are two ways to give:
1) Mail a Check! Click here for a PDF of the donation form.
2) Donate Online with a Credit Card. Click here to be redirected to the website, and look for the "Donate" button.
Thank you for your support!