Wes Anderson

Composer, Conductor, Educator

Currently serving as a Graduate Assistant with the Illinois State University Band Department. Wesley also serves as a Sergeant and Musical Performance Team Leader with the 144th Army Band, where he has led over 50 missions, revived the Big Band, and conducted and composed for major civic events, including the Illinois Polish Freedom Day Ceremony. Wesley’s military education includes the Army School of Music Advanced Individual Training (earning a Distinguished Honor Graduate award), Basic Leaders Course (earning Commandant’s List honors), and Advanced Leaders Course (earning a Distinguished Honor Graduate and Distinguished Leader awards). 

An active educator, Wesley earned his master’s in teaching from Western Illinois University and directed the award-winning music program at ROWVA High School from 2022–2025. Wesley doubled student participation in music every school year, secured full program funding to make music free for all students, led ROWVA to its first top-three finish in the IHSA, and founded the district’s first Tri-M Music Honor Society. Wesley’s ensembles consistently earn superior ratings at contests. Wesley earned Teacher of the Year for his district and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Award of Meritorious Service. 

A summa cum laude graduate of Berklee College of Music in Film Scoring and Composition, Wesley was awarded the prestigious Wachter Fellowship while in his undergraduate studies. Wesley has recorded on over 50 film and video game projects, performs regularly as a jazz musician and with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, and is an active conductor, clinician, composer, arranger, and drill designer. Wesley remains committed to fostering a community of musicians who show up, bring a positive attitude, and have fun making music together.