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Mr. Rich Paluch completed his music education degree cum laude from Augustana College in 1995 and a master of music degree summa cum laude in Wind Band Conducting from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2003. During his course of studies, he has worked with Ray Cramer, Stephen W. Pratt, David Woodley, and Douglas Stotter. In addition, he has participated in workshops with Allan McMurray, Michael Haithcock, and Jerry Junkin. Now in his sixth year as director at Mannheim Middle School, Mr. Paluch oversees the entire middle school program, grades 6-8. Prior to joining District #83, he taught band at West Aurora High School and Grayslake Middle School. In 2005, he was one of six finalists invited to audition for a conducting position with the United States Air Force. Throughout his career, he has taught all levels of band–beginner, middle school, high school, and college.

Mr. Paluch is a member of I.M.E.A., M.E.N.C., and the Percussive Arts Society. He is active as an adjudicator and performing percussionist, having prior studies at I.U. with Anthony Cirone and Gerald Carlyss, and in Chicago with Steve Przyzycki. He has performed with the Harper College Wind Ensemble, Fox Valley Symphony, the Aurora American Legion Band, and also been a 13-year member of the prestigious Wheaton Municipal Band, where he has been a featured summer soloist.