Community Corner
WCC Professor From Geneva Named First 'Champion of the Arts'
The Fox Valley Orchestra is also naming the principal percussion chair in Gibby Monokoski's honor.
Waubonsee Community College Professor of Music/Instrumental Gibby Monokoski, of Geneva, recently received the Fox Valley Orchestra’s first-ever Champion of the Arts award for his dedication to the arts and arts education in the Fox Valley. The orchestra is also naming the principal percussion chair in his honor.
"I feel honored and humbled by the recognition from my peers in the arts community,” Monokoski said. “It is heartening to know that one's efforts to advance the arts are noticed by others."
Monokoski has been noticed by audiences across the nation during his performances as a trumpeter and jazz pianist, but, for the past 39 years, his home base has been Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove Campus. He teaches music theory, composition, American music literature, and jazz piano, while also coordinating the music performance program. In 1987 Monokoski was recognized as Teacher of the Year among all Illinois community colleges.
Always active in the community, Monokoski served as president of the Fox Valley Symphony until it closed in 2001 and is currently on the board of directors for the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame.
SOURCE: Waubonsee Community College
