John Gonzalez is currently the Director of Bands and Choirs at Easton Valley Community School District in Preston, Iowa. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, John attended Western Illinois University earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies. He studied trombone under John Mindeman and conducting under Dr. Matt Thomas and Dr. Mike Fansler. He has also studied jazz improvisation under Dr. John Cooper, Dr. Michael Stryker, and John Vana. John has performed in many wind bands, orchestras, chamber groups, and choirs throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa and is currently a member of the Julien Winds trombone section.