Notable Alumni Making a Difference!
Kudos for two La Crosse-inspired musicians and alums.
The Gleason brothers, Tim, ’93, and Chris, ’02, have both been recognized as excelling music educators. They follow the footsteps of their father, Jerry, who taught music at various Wisconsin high schools.
Younger brother Chris has made a name for himself directing bands at Sun Prairie Middle and High schools for 18 years. He began working full time with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in June. He also runs a non-profit, Beyond The Notes Music Festival Inc., that has inspired more than 40,000 young musicians and 70 future music educators.
Chris has been a semi-finalist twice for the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum Music Educator Award — one of the top 25 music educators nationwide nominated. He’s also one of five to receive the National Education Association Foundation Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. Chris, also recognized with other awards, is known for his passion of giving students the groundwork they need to become budding musicians.
“Every student is wonderfully unique and complex; their intelligence is diverse and distinct,” he notes. “As such, my curriculum and daily instruction mirrors this complexity and richness, allowing students to learn about and through music in many different ways.”
The brothers, both tuba enthusiasts, have fond memories of energetic, inspiring music educator mentors, along with camaraderie.
Tim remembers “the hours spent on the Coate Hall practice field with the marching band,” which led to a Holiday Bowl band trip, numerous NFL games and the national championship football game in Bradenton, Florida.
“I'm grateful for my family and all those who have supported me along my journey thus far,” adds Chris.
Chris Gleason, ’02
- Attended La Crosse Logan Middle and High Schools
- Grad degree: Master’s of Education Professional Development
- Currently: Sun Prairie Patrick Marsh Middle School band director through June 1, then Arts and Creativity Consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
- Favorite instrument: “Tuba!”
