John E. Armstrong is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor Music degree in Education. A native of Ottawa, Il, John is a member of the Monarch Brass and municipal bands in several Illinois communities. This past summer of 2011 John completed his 34th season as principal trumpet with the DeKalb Municipal Band. He also plays with Steve Anthony's Society Orchestra and is active as a free lance trumpeter with numerous dance bands in Illinois. After teaching in the public schools for almost twenty years he is currently co-conductor of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. He is a member of the International Trumpet Guild and the American Federation of Musicians Local #307.