Mark D. Iwinski (VJA class of ‘02) has been director of bands at Victor J. Andrew High School since 2010. He is the third director since the opening of Andrew High School in 1977. In addition to conducting two concert bands and percussion ensemble, his instructional roles include overseeing the Marching Thunderbolts, Pep Band, Jazz Ensembles, and conductor of the Pit Orchestra. Prior to his appointment at Andrew High School, Mr. Iwinski served as director of bands at Lincoln Middle School in Schiller Park, Illinois. Mr. Iwinski graduated from Illinois State University in 2007 where he earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree, graduating on the Dean’s List. Additional education includes a Masters of Music in Education degree at VanderCook College of Music, conferred in July of 2017.
Ensembles under his direction have included high placement in class and grand championships with the marching band. The marching band is also well represented in Illinois State Finals in the past decade. In 2022, the marching band was undefeated in class competition and was the 8th place award winner out of 45 bands in the Illinois State Championships. The Andrew High School Wind Symphony has been a multi year selectee to the Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival, a two time champion and honor band at the Midwest Music Festival, and receives consistent Division I ratings at festivals. In addition, the ensemble has performed at the 2018 and 2023 Illinois Music Education Conference as well as the 2017, 2020, and 2023 Music for All National Concert Band Festival.
Mr. Iwinski has received five Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association and was a 2019 recipient of the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award. He serves as an adjudicator for various band festivals and solo/ensemble contests across the state of Illinois and has been a clinician to schools in the Chicago area. Professional memberships include the National Association for Music Education, American School Band Directors Association, and the National Band Association.