James Dragovich
Director
Jazz Band James Dragovich served as a band director for the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools for thirty-three years, twenty nine as Director of Bands at George W. Hewlett High School. During his tenure, the Hewlett High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands performed in Montreal, Boston, Washington DC, Virginia, Disney World, Puerto Rico and numerous appearances at Carnegie Hall. The Hewlett Jazz Orchestra performed at many jazz festivals and were a featured ensemble at the 2014 NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester NY. The Hewlett Marching band performed the halftime show at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville Fl and marched many times in the NYC Columbus Day Parade, including a first place finish in 1991. During his time in Hewlett Mr. Dragovich served as a cooperating teacher to over forty college students, all of which are now enjoying their own careers in music education and was nominated to “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” numerous times by his students.

Mr. Dragovich presently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Music Education for Five Towns College. Prior to this appointment he served on the Music Education Faculties for LIU Post and Hofstra University, teaching method classes in percussion and brass studies. As a conductor he has commissioned works for both symphonic band and jazz ensemble by such composers as Robert Sheldon, Errol Weiss Schlabach, Mike Carubia and Carl Strommen. Guest soloist with Mr. Dragovich’s ensembles include Joseph Alessi, Dave Pietro, Stanley Drucker, Cecil Bridgewater, Eric Ralski, Jack Schatz, Pete McGuinness, Mike Carubia and John Riley.

Mr. Dragovich directs the Nassau Suffolk Jazz Band, is a clinician for Music in The Parks, Festivals of Music, Educational Tours Inc. and is on the teaching staff for POTS! (Percussion on The Sound). He serves on the board of directors for Best Bands International and The American Chamber Ensemble while keeping an active performance schedule, including his own seventeen piece jazz orchestra. Mr. Dragovich continues to teach both percussion and low brass in his private teaching studio in Amity Harbor NY enjoying life with his wife Mindy.