Dave Gudmastad has directed the Winona Cotter High School Band Program for the past 21 years. As Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Cotter High School, Dave directs the Symphonic and Concert Bands, the two jazz ensembles, the marching band, the pep band and numerous small ensembles.

 Dave earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree form Augustana College in 1972 and a Master of Music degree from the University of Sough Dakota in 1976. Prior to joining the Cotter staff in 1987, Dave taught elementary classroom music, vocal music and band for eight years in South Dakota, and instrumental music for seven years in Iowa.

 Although Cotter is a small high school, Dave strives to give students a balanced program with numerous opportunities to excel. The main focus of the band program is the concert band, with a strong emphasis in the solo and ensemble area. Both concert bands have a long history of excellence in concerts and festivals. Dave states that the solo-ensemble experience is the single most important contributing factor to strong student musicianship with over 70 entries participating in the spring solo-ensemble festivals.

The Jazz Program at Cotter functions before the start of the regular school day. However, full academic credit is given for participation in the big bands, and jazz combos are extra credit. Improvisation receives major emphasis in both the big bands and combos. Two jazz concerts are presented each year, the Spring Concert featuring a guest professional artist. Cotter Jazz Bands have been cited as the Outstanding Jazz Ensemble in festivals at UW-LaCrosse and UW-Eau Claire.

 The Cotter Marching Band is a favorite of parents and students alike. The summer marching band has been very successful on the Minnesota parade circuit. Annual trips in July have taken students to Traverse City, Calgary, Winnipeg, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. The fall field band has been awarded class championships in festivals at Irondale, Waseca, Champlin Park, Eastview, Coon Rapids and Anoka.

 Dave says, “Working with young people has been the joy of my life. Music is my tool, and it has been very good to me. I am grateful to all the students who have made this possible.”

 In addition to his dedication to the Cotter Bands, Dave has been a Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin adjudicator for large group, solo/ensemble, jazz ensemble and marching band festivals since 1980. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Music Educators Association and on the Music Advisory Council for the Minnesota State High School League. Dave is also a charter member of the Winona Brass Band, as well as a member of the International Association for Jazz Education, Minnesota Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, Percussive Arts Society, International Trumpet Guild, and the Twin Cities Jazz Society.