Hello!
Caitlin Wilkes is excited to be joining the Leyden Music Department as the Assistant Director of Bands!
My Story
Prior to her arrival she served as the Director of Bands at Notre Dame College Prep High School in Niles, IL from 2022-2024. There she directed the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra. She also taught general music classes such as Music Technology, Introduction to Music, Percussion Ensemble, and Guitar. Under her direction the Symphonic Band consistently earned Division 1 Superior ratings at various festivals in the Chicagoland area, including placing 2nd Place in Class AA at the 2023 State of the Art Catholic Band Competition.
Ms. Wilkes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022 with a Bachelors of Music Education. She spent four years in the Marching Illini as a member of the piccolo section, serving as a squad leader her last year. Ms. Wilkes performed with the Hindsley Symphonic Band under the direction of Professor Barry L. Houser, as well as the Illinois Wind Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Peterson.
In her free time, Ms. Wilkes enjoys baking, hiking, reading, volunteering at the local animal shelter, watching sitcom reruns, and spending time with her family (usually playing a board game or two)!"