Band Staff

JD Latorre

Mr. Latorre attended the University of Dayton , in Dayton Ohio, graduating with a bachelors degree in Music Education in 1996. His principal instrument is trumpet. In July of 1996, Mr. Latorre took over as Director of Bands at Berne Union. Berne Union Local's small size warrants only one full-time instrumental music instructor, making Mr. Latorre responsible for all elements of the band program, including: Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Concert Band, 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and other smaller ensembles. Mr. Latorre also teaches a music theory course as well as multiple digital audio recording classes.

The Berne Union Bands have continued their winning tradition under Mr. Latorre's direction, with the Wind Ensemble earning thirty-one superior ratings since 1996. In Mr. Latorre's time at BU the Marching Band has won: 53 Grand Champion Awards, 36 Reserve Grand Champion Awards, 112 1st in Class, 30 2nd in Class, 73 Best Auxiliary, and 70 Best Percussion Awards. The band has earned 23 Superior ratings at OMEA State Marching Band Finals JD is an OMEA marching Band adjudicator, and currently serves as a member of the state wide Adjudicated Events Committee. Mr. Latorre and his wife Elizabeth and children Leen, Joshua, Maggie, Ellen, and Samuel live in Lancaster.