| Mr. Donald Wade |
| Welcome, Mr. Wade! After 21 years of direction under the Gundersons, the Entertainment Unit will be continuing the Conqueror traditions with the new director, Don Wade. Mr. Wade started off playing the clarinet, but after playing it for two weeks, decided that there were too many buttons and asked for something "simpler." From there, he was given them trumpet and has been playing trumpet since he was in 6th grade and continued to nurture his talent when he entered the University of Redlands performing trumpet in their concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, and orchestra. In addition, he also played in the San Bernardino Civic Light Opera. Unfortunately, his trumpet career was cut short by severe arthritis in his hands and he switched his major from music education to government. At the same time, he served as marching instructor at Jurupa Valley High School. In 1996, he took over the spot of the director at JVHS and has been there for six years. While directing at the high school, he formed a team of instructors and friends, consisting of Phil - percussion instructor; Mike - brass/marching instructor; Juan - woodwind instructor/music arranger; and George - colorguard instructor, whom he has brought to also join the Los Altos Entertainment Unit family. Currently, he resides in Riverside with his wife, Kristen, as well as his four dogs. In his own words, Mr. Wade says, "I consider being offered the band directing position at Los Altos an honor and a privilege. Together we will continue to fine musical traditions that the directors, students, and parents have worked hard to establish at Los Altos. I look forward to meeting each one of you and getting to know you over the summer!" Mr. Wade, we welcome you and your staff into the Entertainment Unit, and look forward to meeting you this summer! Good-bye Mr. Wade! After a year of teaching at Los Altos, Mr. Don Wade has decided to resign as director and move to a brand new school a few miles away from San Diego. He will be the band director and a temporary choral director. The new school consists of only freshmen and sophomores next year, and the band already consists of over 50 students. Because of the new baby, Mitchel Alexander Wade, proud daddy Don Wade remarks that this is a good opportunity for him to spend time with the baby due to the relaxing new start of the band. Look out for a new Southern California Marching Band in a few years! Congrats on the baby and good luck in the future, Mr. Wade! Thank you for all your hard work, time, and committment here at Los Altos. We look forward to hearing about you and your new marching band in the upcoming years! |