Teaching Philosophy:
I teach music through three simple rules: show up, have a good attitude, and have fun. These principles guide not only our rehearsals and performances, but also how we approach life, building kindness, care, and collaboration in every setting. My goal is to help students grow as musicians and as people, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Teaching Credentials:
Academic Degrees
Master of Music in Conducting – Illinois State University (in progress, 2027)
Master of Arts in Teaching, Music Concentration – Western Illinois University (2025)
Bachelor of Music, Film Scoring & Composition, minor in Conducting – Berklee College of Music (2018, summa cum laude)
Military Education & Honors
Distinguished Honor Graduate & Distinguished Leadership Award – Army School of Music Advanced Leaders Course (ALC) (2025)
Distinguished Honor Graduate – Army School of Music Advanced Individual Training (AIT) (2022)
Commandants List - Army Basic Leaders Course (BLC) (2024)
Soldier of the Year – Illinois Army National Guard, RSP India Company (2022)
Conducting & Professional Study
Conducting workshops at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas at Arlington
Teaching Experience:
I have taught and directed music across a wide range of levels — from middle school beginners to advanced collegiate ensembles. As Director of Bands and Choirs at ROWVA High School from 2022 to 2025, I led seven ensembles, founded the school’s first Tri-M Music Honor Society, and helped propel the program to its highest contest results in school history. During that time, student enrollment more than doubled, and every ensemble consistently earned superior ratings.
Today, I serve as a Graduate Assistant in Wind Conducting at Illinois State University, where I assist with the Big Red Marching Machine and the university wind bands while continuing my conducting studies under Dr. Anthony Marinello III and Dr. Mack Wood. My work as a Sergeant and Musical Performance Team Leader with the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army Band also informs my collaborative, disciplined, and service-oriented approach to teaching and leadership.
Reviews of My Teaching:
Tori Puffer - Farmington JH/HS Band Teacher - “Wes worked with us for just one day of summer band camp this year, and I still have kids asking me when he's going to come back and work with us again. My students responded really well to his fast-paced teaching style and clear expectations. If you have the opportunity to put Wes in front of your band, do it! Your students will thank you later.”
Liz Fontana - Evans JH Orchestra Teacher - "Wes came in to work with my bass players one day, and the kids loved it! His energy and excitement for bass helped them build confidence in their music and abilities. I would ask him to come work with my students any time!"
Nate Chockley, Rushville Industry Director of Bands - “Wes Anderson is an amazing teacher. I asked him to join us for one rehearsal during band camp. Best decision of the season. The kids kept asking for him to come back. High productivity and high spirits.”
Dan Dietrich, Retired, Illinois Valley Central HS, former Associate Band Director, Illinois State - “I just had the pleasure of watching Wes Anderson work with the Jazz Band at Washington Community HS. Wes’s role was to be another set of ears for me and run a sectional with our Sax section. To say the band was better at the end of the day would be a gross understatement, and Wes’s input led to much of that improvement. Not only was he a delight to work with, but the kids also loved his comments and positive attitude, and he even helped me manage our PIZZA feed. Whatever course this talented gentleman chooses to take, the great benefactors will be those who get to work with him, gain from his expertise, and very positive attitude.”
Work With Your Group:
Reach out to me if you want me to work with your group: 309-335-8309 or wesandersoncreate@gmail.com
Videos of my Teaching
Orchestra Rehersal
University Band Day 1
Symph Winds 5 of 8 Rehersals