Ralph+Schlesinger

= =  Mr. Schlesinger graudated from Belleville West in 1956 and started teaching here at Belleville West in 1966. This was right when Belleville East began, and so the Belleville Township High School band director went to East. One of his proudest accomplishments here at West was starting the Jazz Band in 1967. He also led the Marching Maroons to many top ten finishes at the Illinois State competitions.
 * [[image:Ralph_Schlesinger.jpg]] || = Mr. Ralph Schlesinger =

Mr. Schlesinger is also the reason for many changes in the Marching Maroons. When he arrived, the uniforms were heavy wool coats, and he was able to change them to pants and a top. He led the band to many awards, such as the St. Louis competition in Busch Stadium, Eastern Illinois, and the State championships. The present band director, Mr. Thomas Birkner, was a student of Mr. Schlesinger. ||

Read the Complete Interview: Listen to Mr. Schlesinger's Complete Interview: media type="file" key="schlesinger interview.mp3" Listen to Mr. Schlesinger's thoughts about Prom: media type="file" key="prom.mp3" Listen to Mr. Schlesinger's greatest memory about the Marching Maroons: media type="file" key="best memory.mp3"