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Mr. Kurt Gros: Co-Director of Bands
Kurt Gros was appointed an Associate Director of Bands at Warren Township High School in 2006. Mr. Gros conducts Symphonic Band I, Concert Band Almond, and Concert Bands I and II O'Plaine. Under the direction of Mr. Gros, Warren bands have given exciting performances, received superior ratings, and have been accepted to the Illinois Music Educator's Association All-State Conference, University of Illinois Superstate, and the Music for All, National Concert Band Festival in 2014. Mr. Gros' musical interests sparked at a young age when his grandfather, a jobbing jazz pianist, introduced him to the sounds of jazz. As much as he hates to admit it, seeing a Kenny G concert is the reason Mr. Gros decided to play the saxophone. After having a successful elementary saxophone career at Homer School District 33C under the direction of Sherri Lyons (now Harrison), Mr. Gros attended Lockport Township High School. Under the direction of Daniel Valkema, Mr. Gros attended the University of Illinois Marching Band Festival, the 2001 IMEA All-State Conference, the 2000 Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, and the 1999-2001 Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festivals. It was the nurturing atmosphere, lifelong friendships, breathtaking performances, and the immense joy Mr. Gros took from his high school band experiences that convinced him that music always needed to be a part of his life. Mr. Gros received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois in December of 2005. While at Illinois, Mr. Gros studied saxophone with Professor Debra Richtemeyer and played in Symphonic Band I and II, many saxophone quartets, and Jazz Ensemble IV. Mr. Gros also performed at many Illinois football games and the 2002 Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans with the prestigious Marching Illini. He also played percussion in Concert Band I, and contra-alto clarinet in the Wind Symphony. In 2005, Mr. Gros commissioned and premiered "SuperCell" for alto saxophone and percussion ensemble by world-famous composer David R. Gillingham. In fall of 2005, Mr. Gros finished his course work by completing his student teaching at Libertyville High School and Viking Middle School. Prior to his appointment at Warren, Mr. Gros was a staff member for the Joliet West High School Marching Tigers (2002-2005). He also held long-term substitute band director positions at Lockport Township High School, Western Avenue Elementary School (Geneva, IL), and Geneva Middle School. |
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Mr. David Tribley - Co-Director of Bands
Dave Tribley is the Co-Director of Bands at Warren Township High School. He directs the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab as well as Concert Band I Almond. In addition, he teaches two group piano courses. His duties also include assisting with the Marching Blue Devils, and Symphonic Bands I and II. Mr. Tribley began his teaching career at Vernon Hills High School where he taught for three years before beginning at Warren Township High School in the fall of 2013. He has directed at many venues including the Illinois Superstate Festival (2011, 2012, 2013), Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) Convention (2013), Vandercook Band Festival (2012), as well as coached saxophone quartets selected to perform at the Allerton Chamber Music Symposium (2011, 2012, 2013). At VHHS he had the opportunity to teach and co-teach a wide variety of ensembles including concert band, orchestra, pep band, jazz ensemble, and a jazz combo. Mr. Tribley grew up outside of Tokyo, Japan and began playing the saxophone in fourth grade. He moved to the United States at the beginning of his freshman year of high school and participated in the Lake Zurich High School band program. Mr. Josh Thompson and Mr. Tim Fawkes were two of his directors and mentors. His experiences in band under their tutelage played a significant role in his desire to pursue music education as a career path. He went on to continue his studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Saxophone Performance. His mentors included Debra Richtmeyer, Dr. Joseph Manfredo, and Mr. James Keene all of whom he is grateful to have studied under. As a saxophonist he has performed in many capacities most notably being a finalist in both the Solo and Quartet Competition at the 2010 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference in Athens, Georgia as well as performing at Carnegie Hall with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony in 2006, under the direction of Mr. James F. Keene. Mr. Tribley is currently the principal alto saxophonist for the North Suburban Wind Ensemble. |
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Mr. Lawrence Rogers - Associate Director of Bands