District 157-C Mourns Passing of Longtime Band Director

FRANKFORT, IL — District 157-C Band Director Mrs. Dana Ruff died Thursday, July 7. Mrs. Ruff was the foundation of the district’s music department and a true inspiration to the children that she taught, the district said in a release.

“Mrs. Ruff built an outstanding band program in the Frankfort School District," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maura Zinni. "She spent her career doing what she loved most—bringing the gift of music to children. We will miss this dedicated and talented teacher and are planning a tribute to Dana to honor her dedication and contributions to the children in the district. ”

Ruff was hired in 1989. She came to the district with six years of high school teaching experience, but knew it was time to start teaching the intermediate and middle school level. She wanted to teach the fundamentals and inspire musicians earlier on in their careers. Her first year in Frankfort, she had virtually no band budget, only 25 students, and not enough instruments for each child. Immediately she began advocating for more equipment from other directors that she knew and if they had extra instruments, she borrowed them. The Band Booster organization was established during her second year and began raising funds to acquire first rate equipment.

“Dana said to me this year that her career flashed before her eyes," said Hickory Creek Middle School Principal William Seidelmann. "I believe we need to highlight the insurmountable tradition that she built in Frankfort and the thousands of kids that she inspired through her instruction.”

At the end of Dana’s first year the band grew to 77 members. By year two, there were 110 students and the Jazz Band was created. Ruff even purchased a sound board for the Jazz Band at her own expense because this was the type of educator, director and leader she was. Her students came first and where she saw the need to move the program forward she did so by whatever means necessary. By her third year, because the band got so large, it was moved from inside of the school day to before school. She was the reason that so many students wanted to be a part of the program, leave their comfort zone, and try something new and exciting. By the 2015-2016 school year there were more than 140 students in the Tiger Band and over 100 in the Jazz Band.

For the band program, a typical year included Frankfort Fall Festival Parade, Manhattan Fun Day Parade, Halloween Parade, December Concert for both 5th Graders and Tiger Band, plays for the general music classes, Northshore Jazz Festival, Spartan Percussion Drumline Festival, New Trier Jazz Festival, Western Illinois Jazz Festival, IGSMA Jazz Band Contest District, IGSMA Jazz Band Contest State, IGSMA Band Festival District (many years with two bands participating), IGSMA Band Festival State and Super State at U of I for three years.

In addition, Guest Performances were conducted at the International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago 2005. Frankfort hosted solo and ensemble contest, jazz contest and band contest several times during her tenure. Mrs. Ruff had 14 student teachers in a span of about eight years and Hickory Creek Band Director Doug Adams was one of them. Mrs. Ruff truly inspired many young teachers, directors and students and made a mark on music education. Frankfort was lucky to have her as a Tiger for 26 years.

Seidelmann said that Dana told him her career had been a long and rewarding one.

“We will always remember the lasting impression Dana made on our school and on our community. The Frankfort 157-C family will always remember Dana Ruff, her many accomplishments, and her passion for excellence.”

Greif counseling will be made available for District 157-C students and staff beginning Monday from 8:15 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday at Grand Prairie School. Appointments can be made at 815-806-4026 and walk-ins are also welcome.