Wayne Splettstoeszer celebrates his 30th year in music education and his 28th year as Director of Instrumental Music and Music Technology at Torrington High School, Connecticut. Since 2000, Torrington Public Schools have received the prestigious “Best Communities for Music Education in America” award 24 times.
Under Wayne's leadership, the THS Band has earned over 60 first-place parade awards and Superior Ratings since 1996. They have also performed in three national parades in Washington, D.C. In addition, the THS Symphonic Band in 2019 and the String Quartet in 2024 were selected to perform at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Conference.
The THS Music Technology Program has gained national acclaim for its integration of technology into the music curriculum. The program’s website is utilized by over 100 K-12 schools across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. THS was also highlighted as a Best Practice for Music Education at the 2018 and 2019 Audio Engineering Society High School Audio Educators Conferences.
Wayne is a sought-after presenter on topics such as Music Technology, ESSER funding, and Pre-Service Music Education. He has taught Music Education courses at Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities and has presented at institutions including the HARTT School of Music, Western Connecticut State University, and the University of Massachusetts. Additionally, he has led numerous professional development sessions across the East Coast.
Wayne’s honors include being a 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Semifinalist, recipient of the NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award, and recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Torrington Rotary Club. He has been named Teacher of the Year by Torrington Public Schools, Torrington High School, and the Connecticut Music Educators Association. Recognized as the National Technology Teacher of the Year by the Technology Institute for Music Educators, Wayne is also an endorsed educator for Jupiter/KHS.
