John Gonzalez
Assistant Band Director

John Gonzalez is a conductor and music educator originally from Calumet City,
Illinois – a south suburb of Chicago. Prior to starting his service as Assistant
Band Director at Morton High School and Morton Junior High, he served as a
graduate teaching assistant at Illinois State University where he assisted with all
aspects of the band program. His duties included assisting with the Big Red
Marching Machine, Pep Band, undergraduate conducting courses, and guest
conducting the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and
University Band.
 
Prior to attending Illinois State University, Mr. Gonzalez was the Director of
Bands and Choirs at Easton Valley High School in Preston, Iowa. Under his
leadership, the music department quickly became more active and student
participation in all ensembles more than doubled. While at EVHS, he also served
as the musical director and assistant play director in the theatre department. He is
also active as a private trombone instructor for students of all ages and skill levels
and was previously on staff in the private lesson program through the Quad City
Symphony Orchestra in Davenport, Iowa.
 
Mr. Gonzalez earned a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Illinois State
University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a minor in Jazz
Studies from Western Illinois University. Additional honors include being
awarded the CBDNA Mike Moss Conducting Fellowship and a DFI Fellowship
by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. His primary teachers include Dr.
Anthony Marinello, Dr. Mike Fansler, John Mindeman, Andy Hoefle, and Joe
Malik.


Mr. Gonzalez is passionate about music education and takes pride in knowing
how to establish a classroom and rehearsal environment that is both safe and
conducive to student learning and creativity. His philosophy for teaching and
learning includes being kind, consistent, firm, and fair with students to build
relationships that help shape and develop them as both lifelong learners and
upstanding members of our community.