Mark Gitch, the Director of Orchestras at Wayzata High School since 2005, traces his love for orchestral music back to the Mounds View orchestra program and teachers Doug Overland and John Madura. Further encouraged through violin lessons with Mary Horozaniecki, and energized by his time in GTCYS’ Symphony Orchestra under Dr. William LaRue Jones, Mr. Gitch went on to earn degrees in music education from St. Olaf College (B.A. ‘88) and the University of St. Thomas (M.A. ‘02). Mr. Gitch began his teaching career in Owatonna, where he taught until moving to Wayzata. In addition to his career in the public schools, Mr. Gitch has conducted for the Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras and the MacPhail Center for Music Suzuki Program, served as Music Director for the Owatonna Community Orchestra, guest conducted the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and remained active as a violinist. Mr. Gitch has also served in leadership positions at the local, regional and state level, including board terms with the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA). He was the recipient of the 2004 MNSOTA Master Teacher – School Orchestra award and the 2002 Owatonna Community Arts Award. Mr. Gitch and his wife, Terra Widdifield, live in Minneapolis.