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The Historic Waukegan High School Bands is part of the Waukegan Public School District 60. Established in 1916, the WHS Bands include the Waukegan High School Bulldog Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Bulldog Jazz Big Band, Bulldog Jazz Lab Band, Basketball Pep Bands, & Musical Pit Orchestra. Each one of these ensembles plays an important role in the student's education, the Band Program, Waukegan High School, WPS District #60, and the Waukegan Community.
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Waukegan Bands on Social Media
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Waukegan High School Bands:
The Bulldog Marching Band:
This group performs for all home WHS football games, community parades, select marching competitions, and school events each year. The Bulldog Marching Band is the sound of Waukegan High School Football. This ensemble is extra-curricular available for all high school band members. Students not part of the WHS Bands may participate in the Bulldog Marching Band in Color Guard or other sections with permission from the band directors.
The Bulldog Marching Band learns a competitive field show each year along with many pop/rock/funk tunes they perform during football games and other events. They perform their field show at halftime of football games along with performing throughout the game in the stands. Students will learn how to march and play their instrument, learn unique and fun routines, and learn all about the marching arts. The BMB travels multiple times each season and performs around the state of Illinois in other high school and college football stadiums at marching competitions. Students have the opportunity to represent the band organization, the school, and the community through pride and spirit. The BMB is the Sound of Waukegan Football and the Pride of Waukegan!
Symphonic Band:
This audition-only group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Symphonic Band is the top group in the Waukegan High School Bands. Auditions for this group take place in the Spring Semester. The Symphonic Band is a full school-year long class. Any 10th-12th grade band students already in a band are eligible to audition.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, solo & ensemble, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Symphonic Band participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests like the University of Illinois Superstate Contest and Illinois Music Education All-State Conference.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Symphonic Band is completion of the WHS Concert Band Class and a spring semester audition with the Band Directors or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Wind Ensemble:
This audition-only group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Wind Ensemble is the second group in the Waukegan High School Bands. Auditions for this group take place in the Spring Semester. The Wind Ensemble is a full school-year long class. Any 10th-12th grade band students already in a band are eligible to audition.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Wind Ensemble participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with other possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Symphonic Band is completion of the WHS Concert Band Class and a spring semester audition with the Band Directors or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Concert Band:
This group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Concert Band is the freshman group in the Waukegan High School Bands. The Concert Band is a full school-year long class. All 9th grade students are placed in the Concert Band as they enter WHS from middle school band.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Concert Band participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Concert Band is completion of middle school band or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Percussion Ensemble:
This group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Percussion Ensemble consists of all percussionists in the Waukegan High School Bands. The Percussion Ensemble is a full school-year long class. All percussion students are placed in the Percussion Ensemble as they enter WHS from middle school band.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Students in the Percussion Ensemble perform the band literature with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Percussion Ensemble participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Percussion Ensemble is completion of middle school band or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Basketball Pep Band:
This group performs for all home Boys and Girls WHS basketball games. The Pep Band meets for a short time before every basketball game to rehearse. The WHS Pep Band is often split into multiple equal bands that rotate home basketball games. The Pep Band is the sound of Waukegan High School Basketball. This ensemble is required for all high school band members.
Musical Pit Orchestra:
This group performs for the theatre musical productions at Waukegan High School. The Musical Pit Orchestra meets outside of the school day to rehearse and prepare for the production. This is an audition only group that is made up of instrumentation called for by the theatre production.
Waukegan Jazz Program:
Jazz Ensemble:
The Jazz Ensemble is the flagship ensemble of the Waukegan High School jazz program. The band is comprised of 14-17 students that are selected through an audition process at the beginning of each school year and meets twice a week after school. The mission of the Jazz Ensemble is to immerse students in the study and performance of historically and culturally significant jazz repertoire. Students will develop the technical and tonal skills to perform in various jazz styles at the highest quality. Students in the ensemble will develop critical jazz listening habits, and evaluate the merits of various jazz performances. Students in the Jazz Ensemble learn advanced music theory and advanced improvisation techniques that are showcased by student solos. This group performs 3 concerts throughout the year in addition to participating in 2-3 competitions, performing for select District 60 events and public performances in the community.
The Jazz Ensemble is the first of two jazz big bands at Waukegan, and is an ensemble that attends competitions and festivals each season. The band performs at all of the school’s band/jazz concerts, select jazz festivals/competitions such as the Jazz In The Meadows Competition, Evanston Jazz Festival, Mundelein Jazz Festival, and other performances around Waukegan.
The philosophy behind the Waukegan Jazz Program is to expose students to different styles of music and give students an opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity through music.
Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band:
The Waukegan High School Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band is an audition-only group made up of approximately 22 students who want to participate in a big band style jazz band. The Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band is an outside of school ensemble for students enrolled in the Waukegan Bands who are looking for a fun and challenging group to expose themselves to the world of jazz. This group rehearses once per week for an hour and a half once the marching season concludes. This ensemble allows for non-traditional jazz instrumentation along with the traditional jazz instrumentation called for by the big band jazz charts.
The Jazz Band is the second and the Jazz Lab Band is the third jazz of three big bands at Waukegan, and is an ensemble that attends competitions and festivals each season. The band performs at all of the school’s band/jazz concerts, select jazz festivals/competitions such as the Jazz In The Meadows Competition, Evanston Jazz Festival, Mundelein Jazz Festival, and other performances around Waukegan.
The philosophy behind the Waukegan Jazz Program is to expose students to different styles of music and give students an opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity through music.
The Bulldog Marching Band:
This group performs for all home WHS football games, community parades, select marching competitions, and school events each year. The Bulldog Marching Band is the sound of Waukegan High School Football. This ensemble is extra-curricular available for all high school band members. Students not part of the WHS Bands may participate in the Bulldog Marching Band in Color Guard or other sections with permission from the band directors.
The Bulldog Marching Band learns a competitive field show each year along with many pop/rock/funk tunes they perform during football games and other events. They perform their field show at halftime of football games along with performing throughout the game in the stands. Students will learn how to march and play their instrument, learn unique and fun routines, and learn all about the marching arts. The BMB travels multiple times each season and performs around the state of Illinois in other high school and college football stadiums at marching competitions. Students have the opportunity to represent the band organization, the school, and the community through pride and spirit. The BMB is the Sound of Waukegan Football and the Pride of Waukegan!
Symphonic Band:
This audition-only group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Symphonic Band is the top group in the Waukegan High School Bands. Auditions for this group take place in the Spring Semester. The Symphonic Band is a full school-year long class. Any 10th-12th grade band students already in a band are eligible to audition.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, solo & ensemble, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Symphonic Band participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests like the University of Illinois Superstate Contest and Illinois Music Education All-State Conference.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Symphonic Band is completion of the WHS Concert Band Class and a spring semester audition with the Band Directors or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Wind Ensemble:
This audition-only group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Wind Ensemble is the second group in the Waukegan High School Bands. Auditions for this group take place in the Spring Semester. The Wind Ensemble is a full school-year long class. Any 10th-12th grade band students already in a band are eligible to audition.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Wind Ensemble participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with other possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Symphonic Band is completion of the WHS Concert Band Class and a spring semester audition with the Band Directors or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Concert Band:
This group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Concert Band is the freshman group in the Waukegan High School Bands. The Concert Band is a full school-year long class. All 9th grade students are placed in the Concert Band as they enter WHS from middle school band.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Concert Band participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Concert Band is completion of middle school band or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Percussion Ensemble:
This group is one of the main ensembles of the WHS Bands. The Percussion Ensemble consists of all percussionists in the Waukegan High School Bands. The Percussion Ensemble is a full school-year long class. All percussion students are placed in the Percussion Ensemble as they enter WHS from middle school band.
Participation in out of school performances, concerts, competitions, parades, and festivals is required and reflected in the student's band grade. Students in the Percussion Ensemble perform the band literature with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. Dates of these events will be given with plenty of notice. This ensemble puts on 4 concerts each year (Pasta&Pops, Winter, Early Spring, and Spring Concerts). The Percussion Ensemble participates in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble and Organization Contests each spring along with possible festivals/contests.
High School Band is a fun way for students to express themselves musically while learning leadership, teamwork, passion, responsibility, pride, and good work ethic in a safe band community. Students learn about their instruments in a performance based class focused on music education and playing their instruments everyday.
The pre-requisite to be in the Percussion Ensemble is completion of middle school band or a specific recommendation from the Band Directors.
Basketball Pep Band:
This group performs for all home Boys and Girls WHS basketball games. The Pep Band meets for a short time before every basketball game to rehearse. The WHS Pep Band is often split into multiple equal bands that rotate home basketball games. The Pep Band is the sound of Waukegan High School Basketball. This ensemble is required for all high school band members.
Musical Pit Orchestra:
This group performs for the theatre musical productions at Waukegan High School. The Musical Pit Orchestra meets outside of the school day to rehearse and prepare for the production. This is an audition only group that is made up of instrumentation called for by the theatre production.
Waukegan Jazz Program:
Jazz Ensemble:
The Jazz Ensemble is the flagship ensemble of the Waukegan High School jazz program. The band is comprised of 14-17 students that are selected through an audition process at the beginning of each school year and meets twice a week after school. The mission of the Jazz Ensemble is to immerse students in the study and performance of historically and culturally significant jazz repertoire. Students will develop the technical and tonal skills to perform in various jazz styles at the highest quality. Students in the ensemble will develop critical jazz listening habits, and evaluate the merits of various jazz performances. Students in the Jazz Ensemble learn advanced music theory and advanced improvisation techniques that are showcased by student solos. This group performs 3 concerts throughout the year in addition to participating in 2-3 competitions, performing for select District 60 events and public performances in the community.
The Jazz Ensemble is the first of two jazz big bands at Waukegan, and is an ensemble that attends competitions and festivals each season. The band performs at all of the school’s band/jazz concerts, select jazz festivals/competitions such as the Jazz In The Meadows Competition, Evanston Jazz Festival, Mundelein Jazz Festival, and other performances around Waukegan.
The philosophy behind the Waukegan Jazz Program is to expose students to different styles of music and give students an opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity through music.
Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band:
The Waukegan High School Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band is an audition-only group made up of approximately 22 students who want to participate in a big band style jazz band. The Jazz Band & Jazz Lab Band is an outside of school ensemble for students enrolled in the Waukegan Bands who are looking for a fun and challenging group to expose themselves to the world of jazz. This group rehearses once per week for an hour and a half once the marching season concludes. This ensemble allows for non-traditional jazz instrumentation along with the traditional jazz instrumentation called for by the big band jazz charts.
The Jazz Band is the second and the Jazz Lab Band is the third jazz of three big bands at Waukegan, and is an ensemble that attends competitions and festivals each season. The band performs at all of the school’s band/jazz concerts, select jazz festivals/competitions such as the Jazz In The Meadows Competition, Evanston Jazz Festival, Mundelein Jazz Festival, and other performances around Waukegan.
The philosophy behind the Waukegan Jazz Program is to expose students to different styles of music and give students an opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity through music.
Meet The DirectorsMr. David GraysonEMAIL: [email protected]
OFFICE PHONE: (224) 303-3073 Mr. Eddie OrtizEMAIL: [email protected]
OFFICE PHONE: (224) 303-3073 |
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Director of Bands: Mr. David Grayson
David Grayson was hired in 2022 as one of the Band Directors at Waukegan High School in Waukegan, IL and became the Director of Bands in 2024. He co-directs the Bulldog Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Bands, and Basketball Pep Bands. Along with band duties, Grayson teaches the Music Foundations class for students with special needs. The competitive marching field show music arrangement and drill is written by Grayson along with select arrangements for the pep bands and concert bands. Under Grayson's direction the Bulldog Marching Band placed 2nd at both the 2023 Chicagoland Marching Competition (Wheeling) and Naperville Central Marching Competition and the first Percussion Ensemble class was created. Grayson graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with his Masters of Music Education (MME) in 2021 and Bachelor of Music Education (BME) in 2013. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 2009.
Prior to Waukegan, Grayson was the Director of Bands at South Elgin High School in South Elgin, IL. He directed the 160+ student Marching Storm, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Varsity Band, three Jazz Big Bands, Basketball Pep Band, and Musical Pit Orchestra. Under Grayson's direction, the SEHS Bands excelled to new levels attending their first marching competition and performing Grade-6 (highest level) music with the Wind Ensemble. The Jazz Program grew from one to three big bands for the first time in school history.
Grayson was the Director of Bands at Sherrard Jr. Sr. High School in Sherrard, IL for 5 years before moving back to the Chicago Area. Under Grayson's direction, the Sherrard band program grew in size and playing ability, receiving several program-best awards and distinctions. The Sherrard High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2020 All-State Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) for the first time in program history. The competitive Marching Tigers won its class at the 2019 & 2017 Geneseo, 2019 Washington, and 2019, 2018 & 2017 Metamora marching band competitions. The Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble I received Division I (Superior) Ratings at the IHSA contests, and the Jazz Ensemble I received Division I (Superior) Ratings at the Jazz in the Meadows Competition including placing 2nd. The Sherrard Jr. High Concert Band and Jazz Band II both attended the IGSMA State Contest receiving Division I (Superior) Ratings. Beyond competitions, Grayson took the Sherrard High School Bands to Disney World in Florida, the Sherrard Jazz Ensemble I to St. Louis, Missouri, established the Sherrard Jazz Band II, and established the first ever Sherrard Jazz Showcase/Festival in 2016 which featuring 11 other area high school and college jazz bands. The Sherrard Jazz Program, under Grayson, grew from 14 students to 50 students and two jazz bands. Grayson designing and purchasing new marching band uniforms, purchasing/modifying a new band trailer, incorporating technology and professional clinicians into the program, and brought new professional-level music into the students’ hands.
Prior to Sherrard, Grayson was the Director of Bands and Choirs at Streator Township High School for two years. Under Grayson's baton, The Streator Bands won numerous program first time awards including 2nd Place at the 2014 Illinois Marching Band Championship, four top-two placements, received Division I (Superior) Ratings at IHSA, and attended Jazz Competitions/Festivals for the first time. Grayson also started a new ensemble at Streator, the STHS Wind Ensemble. Grayson was the Band Director the prior year at Millburn School District #24 teaching the 4th, 5th, & 6th grade bands. Grayson student taught at Evanston Township High School and Wilmette Junior High School along with helping out at Highland Park High School.
Prior to Waukegan, Grayson was the Director of Bands at South Elgin High School in South Elgin, IL. He directed the 160+ student Marching Storm, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Varsity Band, three Jazz Big Bands, Basketball Pep Band, and Musical Pit Orchestra. Under Grayson's direction, the SEHS Bands excelled to new levels attending their first marching competition and performing Grade-6 (highest level) music with the Wind Ensemble. The Jazz Program grew from one to three big bands for the first time in school history.
Grayson was the Director of Bands at Sherrard Jr. Sr. High School in Sherrard, IL for 5 years before moving back to the Chicago Area. Under Grayson's direction, the Sherrard band program grew in size and playing ability, receiving several program-best awards and distinctions. The Sherrard High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2020 All-State Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC) for the first time in program history. The competitive Marching Tigers won its class at the 2019 & 2017 Geneseo, 2019 Washington, and 2019, 2018 & 2017 Metamora marching band competitions. The Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble I received Division I (Superior) Ratings at the IHSA contests, and the Jazz Ensemble I received Division I (Superior) Ratings at the Jazz in the Meadows Competition including placing 2nd. The Sherrard Jr. High Concert Band and Jazz Band II both attended the IGSMA State Contest receiving Division I (Superior) Ratings. Beyond competitions, Grayson took the Sherrard High School Bands to Disney World in Florida, the Sherrard Jazz Ensemble I to St. Louis, Missouri, established the Sherrard Jazz Band II, and established the first ever Sherrard Jazz Showcase/Festival in 2016 which featuring 11 other area high school and college jazz bands. The Sherrard Jazz Program, under Grayson, grew from 14 students to 50 students and two jazz bands. Grayson designing and purchasing new marching band uniforms, purchasing/modifying a new band trailer, incorporating technology and professional clinicians into the program, and brought new professional-level music into the students’ hands.
Prior to Sherrard, Grayson was the Director of Bands and Choirs at Streator Township High School for two years. Under Grayson's baton, The Streator Bands won numerous program first time awards including 2nd Place at the 2014 Illinois Marching Band Championship, four top-two placements, received Division I (Superior) Ratings at IHSA, and attended Jazz Competitions/Festivals for the first time. Grayson also started a new ensemble at Streator, the STHS Wind Ensemble. Grayson was the Band Director the prior year at Millburn School District #24 teaching the 4th, 5th, & 6th grade bands. Grayson student taught at Evanston Township High School and Wilmette Junior High School along with helping out at Highland Park High School.
Grayson currently writes drill for multiple high school marching bands and has written drill for the University of Illinois Marching Illini. He arranges music for competitive and non-competitive marching, concert, and pep bands of all ages, including the University of Illinois Marching Illini, Basketball Bands and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. He is hired each year to arrange music for other high schools around Illinois. His drills and arrangements have won and placed at many high school and college marching competitions.
During college, Grayson played in the University of Illinois' Wind Symphony, Marching Illini, Basketball Bands, Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Bands, Brass Band, Brass Quintets, and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. While in the Marching Illini, Grayson was the Sousaphone Section Leader and marched/performed in 3 NFL stadiums, 2 MLB stadiums, and in 2 NCAA bowl games. Grayson is married to Marissa Grayson who works as a percussion instructor with his bands...and together they have a daughter named Myla and German Shepherd Dog named Aria.
Grayson plays tuba in the North Suburban Wind Ensemble and formerly in the Illinois Brass Band, Eastern Iowa Brass Band, Wilmette Community Band, and Big River Brass Band. He continues to play tuba during his free time, does woodworking, works on his 1946 WWII Jeep, builds lamps out of old instruments, and collects pre-WWII Conn instruments like his 1925 Conn 40K 4-valve sousaphone, 1921 Eb Helicon, 1924 and 1909 Conn Double-Bell Euphoniums, 1924 Conn New York Symphony Trumpet, and 30+ more. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), National Band Association (NBA), Jazz Education Network (JEN), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
During college, Grayson played in the University of Illinois' Wind Symphony, Marching Illini, Basketball Bands, Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Bands, Brass Band, Brass Quintets, and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. While in the Marching Illini, Grayson was the Sousaphone Section Leader and marched/performed in 3 NFL stadiums, 2 MLB stadiums, and in 2 NCAA bowl games. Grayson is married to Marissa Grayson who works as a percussion instructor with his bands...and together they have a daughter named Myla and German Shepherd Dog named Aria.
Grayson plays tuba in the North Suburban Wind Ensemble and formerly in the Illinois Brass Band, Eastern Iowa Brass Band, Wilmette Community Band, and Big River Brass Band. He continues to play tuba during his free time, does woodworking, works on his 1946 WWII Jeep, builds lamps out of old instruments, and collects pre-WWII Conn instruments like his 1925 Conn 40K 4-valve sousaphone, 1921 Eb Helicon, 1924 and 1909 Conn Double-Bell Euphoniums, 1924 Conn New York Symphony Trumpet, and 30+ more. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), National Band Association (NBA), Jazz Education Network (JEN), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
ASSISTANT Director of Bands: Mr. Eddie Ortiz
Eddie Ortiz was hired as the Assistant Director of Bands at Waukegan High School in 2024. Mr. Ortiz recently received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. During his time at Illinois, Mr. Ortiz studied euphonium with Scott Tegge as well as conducting with Dr. Kim Fleming and Barry L. Houser. In college, Mr. Ortiz performed in the Illinois Wind Symphony, Illinois Wind Orchestra, and the Hindsley Symphonic Band while also working for the band department his last two years of school.
Before arriving at Waukegan High School, Mr. Ortiz student taught down the road at Warren Township High School and Wauconda Middle School. Mr. Ortiz has been a marching band technician for Warren Township High School for 4 years.
Originally from the Rockford, IL area, Mr. Ortiz enjoys exploring local coffee shops, playing volleyball, and hanging out with friends, family, and his dog, Otis.
Before arriving at Waukegan High School, Mr. Ortiz student taught down the road at Warren Township High School and Wauconda Middle School. Mr. Ortiz has been a marching band technician for Warren Township High School for 4 years.
Originally from the Rockford, IL area, Mr. Ortiz enjoys exploring local coffee shops, playing volleyball, and hanging out with friends, family, and his dog, Otis.
Bulldog Marching BAND STAFFWoodwind Instructor: TBA
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Program AwardsBulldog Marching Band
Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble Concert Band Percussion Ensemble Jazz Ensemble I Jazz Band II Jazz Lab Band III |
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- Sandwich Marching Competition:
- 2024: 1st Place - Class AA (Best Music, Best Visuals, & Best Percussion Caption Awards)
- Downers Grove South Marching Competition:
- 2024: 3rd Place - Class A (Best Visuals & Best Percussion Caption Award)
- Naperville Central Marching Competition:
- 2024: 2nd Place - Class A (Midwest Percussion Cooperative - 2nd Place)
- 2023: 2nd Place - Class A
- Chicagoland Marching Competition (Wheeling):
- 2023: 2nd Place - Class A (Best Music & Best Percussion Caption Awards)
- IHSA Organizational:
- 2024: Division I's (Symphonic, Wind, Big Band, & Jazztet), Division II's (Lab Band & Lab Combo)
- 2024: 3rd Place Overall Class AA (Band, Jazz, Orchestra, Choir)
- 2023: Division I's (Symphonic, Wind, Big Band, & Lab Band)
- 2023: 3rd Place Overall Class AA (Band, Jazz, Orchestra, Choir)
- IHSA Solo & Ensemble:
- 2024: 3rd Place Class AA WHS Band
- 2023: 4th Place Class AA WHS Band
- Jazz in the Meadows:
- 2025: Division I (Jazz Band II & Combo I), Division II (Jazz Ensemble I & Lab Band III)
- 2024: Division I (Big Band & Jazztet), Division II (Lab Band I & Lab Band II)
- 2023: Division I (Big Band), Division II (Lab Band)
- Mundelein Jazz Festival:
- 2024: Division I (Big Band), Division II (Lab Band I & Lab Band II)
- 2023: Division I (Big Band), Division II (Lab Band)
More information at www.ilmarching.com: CLICK HERE
Copyright © David Grayson 2023
