Katie Gilchrist
Katie Gilchrist is currently in her 8th year of teaching, and in her second year of teaching as Co-Director of Instrumental Music at Palo Alto High School. She previously taught in the Santa Clara Unified School District and the East Side Union High School District. She holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in saxophone from San Jose State University.
In 2024, Katie was awarded the Gilbert T. Freitas outstanding band educator award by CMEA Bay Section. In that same year, she was also awarded the 2023-2024 Outstanding Teacher Award by the Peterson Middle School PTSA.
Katie serves as the California All-State Honor Ensemble coordinator, and is also the secretary for the Santa Clara County Band Directors Association. She has also served on the CMEA Bay Section board, CMEA State Collegiate Council, and the California Band Directors Association board.
Katie is also very involved with the marching arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has worked as a visual and music staff member for numerous high schools in the South Bay as well as a visual tech for the Vanguard Cadets. She currently works on the staff of the Monta Vista – Lynbrook High School marching band.
Michael Veizades</h3
Michael Veizades is in his first year of teaching as Co-Director of Instrumental Music at Palo Alto High School. He holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion, also from San Jose State.
Michael completed his student teaching at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino under music educator John Gilchrist. He served on staff as a Percussion Tech with the Monta Vista Marching Band and as Co-Director of the Monta Vista Winter Percussion program.
His teaching philosophy centers on student wellness and community building as essential foundations for meaningful, affective education. For his Master’s research, Michael explored Process vs. Product based approaches to music education, with a focus on how Process-oriented teaching supports student creativity and overall well-being, a philosophy that continues to guide his work.
Michael served as Assistant Percussion Coordinator for CASMEC in 2023 and 2025, remaining active in supporting percussion education across California. He is passionate about growing percussion ensemble opportunities at Palo Alto High School and throughout the Bay Area.
An active percussionist and drummer since 2012, Michael has performed with a wide range of professional and community groups, including the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, Hillbarn Theatre, StarStruck Productions, Viva la Musica, and the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus. He is also a founding member of the band Exit 11, which has released two full-length albums and played countless shows.