DON GUNDERSON

Music Educator, Retired

  Don Gunderson retired in June of 2000 after 41 years as a music educator in the public schools of Washington and California.  His experiences encompass all areas of instrumental music ranging from elementary through university levels.

  In 1976, and again in 1990, Mr. Gunderson was selected to conduct the Southern California School Band And Orchestra Association’s (SCSBOA) Junior High School Honor Band.  He directed the High School Honor Jazz Band in 1995 and the Junior High School Jazz All-Stars in 1998.  Don has served a President of S.C.S.B.O.A. as well as First Vice President, Vice President of Honor Groups. and two terms as Vice President of Jazz Education. A founding member of the Field Adjudication committee, he is active as a Field, Festival and Jazz Adjudicator. He was presented that association’s highest honor, Honorary Life Membership, in 1984.

  The Gunderson children have followed their father’s footsteps into education.  Kathryn is an Assistant Principal at Ramona High School near San Diego. Michael serves as music instructor for the Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, California and his brother Mark teaches instrumental music at Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar, California.

   Don, with his wife Judy, will continue to organize workshops and summer camps to train student leaders of school bands through their California Leadership Academy.