Scott Casagrande
Director: Wind Symphony
Education:
- B.S. and M.S. in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Ensembles under Mr. Casagrande’s direction have performed as a featured ensemble in the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic (Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble). They were selected to perform in 24 Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festivals, two Illinois Music Educators Association Conventions and four Music for All National Concert Band Festivals.
- The Hersey Symphonic Band was named the Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival Honor Band four times and the band program was awarded the Sudler Flag of Honor by the Sousa Foundation, which is an international Award Recognizing High School Concert Bands of Outstanding Musical Excellence.
- The Hersey Symphonic Band performed at Carnegie Hall twice, Chicago’s Symphony Center three times, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and several other world-class venues.
- National Band Association Past-President
- Nominated and inducted into the American Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity and American School Band Directors Association
Bio:
Scott Casagrande was Director of Bands at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, IL and retired in June, 2021 after completing 33 years of teaching in Illinois Public Schools. He taught high school, middle school and elementary students in suburban, urban and rural settings over the course of his teaching career. In addition to his duties at Merit, Mr. Casagrande currently serves Music for All/Bands of America as a Music Education Consultant and National Festival Coordinator, as well as Coordinator of Affiliate Regional Music Festivals and Affiliate Regional Marching Events. He also serves as an administrator for the Music Education Alliance and the Dr. William P. Foster Project involving the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association and Music for All serving bands in under-served communities. In addition, Mr. Casagrande also serves on the Board of Trustees for the VanderCook College of Music.
Quote:
Music education is important because it fosters creativity, enhances cognitive skills, and promotes emotional expression. It also encourages teamwork and discipline, providing students with valuable life skills. I am excited to teach at Merit because it is special for its commitment to providing high-quality music education to students of all backgrounds, fostering both talent and passion. It creates an inclusive community that nurtures artistic growth and personal development. Additionally, its focus on accessibility ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their musical journey. This is a special place.