Dean Sayles
JT West Band Director
1968 - 1990



Dean Sayles

Dean Sayles, JTHS Class of 1956, served as director of bands at Joliet West High School from 1968-90. From 1990-99, he served as the district’s director of technology. Mr. Sayles attended Northwestern University, where he received his bachelor’s in music education in 1960 and his master’s in music in 1961. While at Northwestern he was a member of the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, Waa-Mu show and several other performing ensembles. He worked with Northwestern University director of bands, John P. Paynter, as well as Emeritus director of bands, Glenn Cliffe Bainum. He served on the student band staff as librarian and staff manager. An oboist, he studied with Robert M. Mayer and Ray Still, both members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. During his tenure at Joliet West the band continued the JT tradition of outstanding bands winning high honors in both concert and marching area. Many graduates of the West Bands have gone onto either professional careers in music or as members of community music organizations, such as community bands or orchestras.

Mr. Sayles served the Illinois Music Educators Association as a district band chair for four years, state president-elect for two years, state president for two years and past-president for two years. In 1993, he was presented with the IMEA Distinguished Service Award. Throughout his career in Joliet, Mr. Sayles has been one of the pre-eminent oboe instructors and performers in the area. Several of his former students have gone onto prominent positions as professional oboists. He also continues to perform in retirement as a member of several Chicago area orchestras, bands and ensembles.

 

History of the JTHS West Bands
under Director Dean Sayles
(Contents and Links below)

*****************

To be provided

*****************

 


Send e-mail inquires to info@jthsbaa.org
Report website problems to webmaster@jthsbaa.org

          

Copyright© 2009-2024, JTHS Band Alumni Association. All Rights Reserved.
(This website was launched on January 30, 2009.)