David W. Vandewalker is the Director of Bands at Harrison High School in the Cobb County Public Schools (GA).Prior to his appointment to Harrison in 1996, he taught in the nationally recognized music education programs of the Klein and Belton School Districts (TX). Mr. Vandewalker was honored as the 1995 Teacher of the Year in a National Exemplary School of Excellence.

Music has always been a vital part of Mr. Vandewalker's life. A third generation band director, he is fortunate to have benefited from many excellent teachers and mentors including his grandfather, Richard Vandewalker, and uncle, David R. Vandewalker. Mr. Vandewalker received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University where he studied clarinet with Dr. Richard A. Shanley, and conducting with Michael L. Haithcock. Mr. Vandewalker has also participated in conducting symposiums and staff development with H. Robert Reynolds, Alan Murray, Craig Kirkoff, Jerry Junkin, Tom Lee, Anthony Maiello, Mallory Thompson, Kevin Sedatole, and Paula Crider.

A recognized member of the 2000 and 2002 editions of Who's Who Among American Teachers, Mr. Vandewalker's performing ensembles have consistently received praise for achieving high standards of excellence with Superior ratings in state festivals for fourteen years. Mr. Vandewalker has conducted ensembles in numerous national events which include the: 1998 Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, 1999 Bands of America Regional Concert Band Festival in Atlanta, 1999 University of Georgia High School Honor Band Festival, 1999 Mid-West Clinic in Chicago, IL, 2001 Nokia Sugar Bowl Half-time, 2002 New York St. Patrick's Day Parade, and will conduct the Harrison Wind Ensemble in the 2003 Bands of America National Concert Band Festival.

Mr. Vandewalker has also written, created, and produced over fifteen sacred music education and drama products which have been used in over 1500 churches, private schools, and organizations nationwide. He was the literary and design editor for the national bestseller Made for Praise Volume 4 published by Dovetailer/Nashville, TN.

Mr. Vandewalker is an active adjudicator, woodwind specialist, and conductor across the United States. He is affiliated with professional organizations which include the National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Kappa Kappa Psi, and the Georgia Music Educators Association.

Mr. Vandewalker and his wife, Pamela, reside in Marietta, Ga. where she is Minister to Drama and Children's Music at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.

To contact Mr. Vandewalker, send e-mail to david@harrisonbands.org.

Harrison welcomes Mr. Josh Ray to the faculty. Due to the growth of the band department and the other areas of the fine art department, Mr. Griggers has offered a certified teacher allotment to be shared with Band and AP Music Theory. Originally from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Mr. Ray graduated iwith a Bachelor degree in Music Education with a concentration in Trumpet from Oklahoma University. Mr. Ray has experience as a performer with Southwind (Trumpet) and Madison Scouts (Mello) Drum Corps. He student taught with David Gorham at the nationally acclaimed Owasso High School Band program, a Sudler Flag of Honor program. Mr. Ray and his wife reside in Acworth, Georgia. Mr. Ray will be the lead teacher for the Brass Choir of the Fall Wind Symphony, the Jazz program, and assist with the Marching Band in addition to his teaching responsibilities with Music Appreciation and AP Music Theory.

To contact Mr. Ray, send e-mail to Josh@harrisonbands.org.