Skip to main content

Southland College Prep Charter High School

UNLIMITED POTENTIAL, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

Schools

Popular Links

​​🎉 Mr. Ron Harrigan named Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s first music educator of the year! | Full Story

Posted Date: 4/09/25 (6:45 PM)
View Original Post

🎉 Congratulations to Southland College Prep’s very own Director of Bands, Mr. Ron Harrigan on being named Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s first music educator of the year! 🎺


The inaugural honoree was determined by Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra executive director Christina Salerno, Roosevelt Griffin and his fellow Education and Community Engagement Committee members, including the namesake of the Marilynn Tannebaum Youth Music Education Institute. Judging criteria included impact within the school and community as well as ongoing display of musical excellence, especially the actual process of music making.
 
“I was ecstatic, shocked, honored and felt extremely humbled,” Harrigan said. “I felt an expectation or a larger duty that I need to uphold the honor. It motivated me to push myself a bit more, do more research for the students, study more, study harder.”
 
When Southland College Prep opened in 2010, Harrigan was the band director for two years while also teaching at Huth Middle School in Matteson. After being full-time director of bands at Huth, Harrigan returned to Southland College Prep part time in 2017 as associate band director and became full-time director of bands in fall 2020. 

Most recently, the Southland College Prep Charter High School marching band and Lady Eagles were invited to WorldStrides’ Orlando Heritage Festival at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, where students performed Saturday, April 5th during the first overnight trip the school had for the band. 

We are exceptionally #SouthlandProud of Mr. Harrigan’s distinguished honor. The Southland family is grateful for his remarkable leadership and unwavering support for our talented instrumental music students!


SOURCE: Daily Southtown (@ChicagoTribune)