Woodland Middle School Bands: 
Marching Wildcats, Jazz Band, Concert Bands 1 and 2, Symphonic Bands 1 and 2
Directors:  Ms. Elise Matusek, Miss Carolyn Awe and Mr. Greg Zalapi
SCHOOL PHONE: 856-3661; 856-3670; 856-3447 respectively

Ms. Matusek directs Symphonic Band 1 and the Marching Wildcats

Ms. Matusek earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she was also a member of the Marching Illini.  She also has a Master of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music.

Ms. Matusek started teaching in 1983!  Prior to joining the staff at WMS, she taught junior high band and choir in Mt. Vernon, IL, junior and senior high band and HS choir in Belle, MO, junior and senior high band in Lake of the Ozarks, MO and 5 - 8 band in her hometown of Grayslake, IL.

Ms. Matusek continues to participate in the adult band world, currently playing percussion with the Palatine Community Band after enjoying many years playing bassoon with them.  When time permits, she also returns to the U of I for Homecoming, dusting off a tenor saxophone and joining the alumni band.

Miss Awe directs Symphonic Band 2 and Jazz Band, and co-directs the Marching Wildcat Band

Miss Awe earned her Master's degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in July 2008. She also obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. While at UW-Whitewater, Miss Awe was a member of "Wisconsin's Finest" Warhawk Marching Band, as well as drum major for two years. 

In the past Miss Awe has been a member of Milwaukee's Lake Shore Wind Symphony, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, College of Lake County Wind Ensemble, and the North Suburban Wind Ensemble. Miss Awe loves Broadway musicals, and plays in pit orchestras whenever the opportunity arises (usually in Woodstock, IL and Greendale, WI).

Mr Zalapi directs Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, and co-directs the Marching Wildcat Band

Mr. Zalapi received his BA in Music Education from the U of MN-Morris and a Master's of Music Education from the VanderCook College of Music.  Prior to WMS he spent 9 years at Prairie Central JH where the Concert and Jazz Bands received Division 1 ratings 9 straight years as well as many other awards.  

He has served on the Music Advisory Board for the IESA and as the Junior Jazz Chair for IMEA District 3.  He has also spent a great deal of time in the marching band world and currently enjoys working with the 'ginormous' Warren Marching Blue Devils.  As a trumpet player, Mr. Zalapi has performed with groups such as the Heartland Jazz Orchestra, 1996 Phantom Regiment, Brass Band of Central Illinois, and with the College of Lake County Wind Ensemble.