Don Gunderson
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, Don was selected to conduct the Southern California School Band & 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 as President of SCSBOA as well as First Vice President, Vice President of Honor Groups, and two terms as Vice President of Jazz Education.
He remains active as a Field, Festival and Jazz Adjudicator and was presented the association’s highest honor, Honorary Life Membership, in 1984. Don’s wife, Judy, served as executive secretary of SCSBOA for 15 years. The Gunderson children have followed their parent’s footsteps into education. Kathryn is an Assistant Principal at Ramona High School near San Diego. Michael is the band director at Ponderosa High School near Placerville, CA and his brother Mark teaches instrumental music at Esperanza High School in Anaheim, CA.