Dr. Thomas Birkner serves currently on the faculty of Southwestern Illinois College where he teaches Music Appreciation, World Music, Jazz Improvisation, Applied Trumpet, and leads the SWIC Jazz Band. Formerly, Director of Instrumental Music at Belleville West High School, his students and ensembles recognized through performances in Ontario, Canada, Germany, and the White House in Washington, D. C. Prior teaching assignments include the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and Terre Haute South High School in Indiana. Named a Golden Apple Award Winner for excellence in teaching at the secondary level, he has served on the faculty of the
Summer Jazz Camp at Eastern Illinois University for over thirty-five years and is a proud graduate of Eastern Illinois.