Wayne Dillon

Wayne Dillon

Educational clinician
Conn-Selmer

  Biography

Wayne Dillon holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Education from York University in Toronto, Canada, and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy from The University of Miami, Florida.

Over the course of the past 20 years, he has served as Director of Bands at Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth N.J. In his tenure, the Elizabeth HS Symphonic and Jazz programs have consistently earned superior ratings and distinguished rankings within the State of New Jersey. In addition, the EHS marching band was awarded three consecutive State Championships from 2005-2007. In 2011, 2012, and 2013 the marching band was named USSBA State and National Champions in group VA. Wayne was awarded the State of New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for his work with the music program at Elizabeth High School.

Wayne was recently appointed as Chief Judge for Winter Guard International in the Winds division. He is also an adjudicator for Drum Corps International and Bands of America. He has judged the prestigious National Championships for all three organizations over the past thirty years. Currently, Wayne is serving as a music judge liaison for DCI, responsible for judge assignments and training. Additionally, he is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer Music and travels the country working with diverse band programs.

Formerly, Wayne served as the Brass Caption Head for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also worked on the music staff of the ten-time World Champion -The Cadets, serving as the music supervisor in 2002. In 2010-2011, Wayne served as a staff member for the US Army All American Marching Band. Recently, Wayne was honored with his induction into The Buglers Hall of Fame in 2020.

Wayne has played trumpet with The Studio Jazz Band and the Art Blakey Jazz Ensemble from the University of Miami. As a performing recording artist, Wayne has played with Jeff Healey, Albert Collins, KC and the Sunshine Band, Al Chez (from the Dave Letterman band), Steve Brosky, The Meteors, Jay and the Technics, Don Mayer, Tower Suite, and The Hamilton Philharmonic.

  Session Titles

Guest Conductor

Student

Can be adapted for jazz, wind band or marching band. Preparing repertoire for the rehearsal including research on the music. Score study and interpretation.


Jazz improvisation- Blues and ii, v, i

Teacher

Students will learn the basics of chord and scale relationships used in improvising, using the Jamey Abersold Blues and ii v i recordings with handouts. The clinic will be a hands on approach where students will play their instruments along with the recordings.


Marching Band Design

Teacher

An in depth look at the design process for marching band including: Matching program design to band strengths- Concept choice, musical repertoire decisions, costuming, color palette, props, electronics, and instrumentation.


Rehearsal Techniques- Warm-Up

Teacher

May be adapted to jazz or wind band. Topics include: An effective warm up that addresses the fundamentals of style, sound, pitch, articulation, expression and listening. The clinic stresses the importance of a daily warm up to the success of the band program.


Teaching Jazz Style

Teacher

A hands on (with instruments) approach to addressing jazz (swing style) including articulation concept ( syllable choice) conducive to creating a jazz line. Participants will sing and play in a jazz (swing) style. Recordings of swing style will reinforce the concept.