About the Wauwatosa East Red Raider Band
Under the direction of Jennifer Lato, the Wauwatosa East Red Raider Band is a student-centered music program dedicated to excellence, growth, and school pride. For generations, the band has played a visible role in the life of Wauwatosa East—bringing students together through music while representing the school and community with professionalism and spirit.
At the heart of the program are four guiding pillars: Attitude, Commitment, Pride, and Performance. These values shape how students rehearse, perform, and support one another, both within the band and beyond it.
Band members are challenged to develop strong musicianship alongside personal responsibility and teamwork. Rehearsals emphasize preparation, focus, and respect, creating an environment where students learn the importance of showing up ready to contribute and improve. Through this process, students gain confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper appreciation for collaboration.
The Red Raider Band performs in a wide range of settings, including athletic events, concerts, festivals, parades, and community celebrations. Each performance reflects the dedication behind the scenes and the pride students take in representing Wauwatosa East.
Families, educators, and volunteers play an essential role in supporting the program. Their involvement helps provide meaningful musical experiences while strengthening the sense of community that defines the band.
More than a performance ensemble, the Wauwatosa East Red Raider Band is a tradition built on shared values—preparing students not only to perform at a high level, but to carry those lessons forward long after the final note is played.
Meet Our Director
Jennifer Lato serves as Director of Bands at Wauwatosa East High School, where she leads a comprehensive and dynamic program that includes Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz I and Jazz III, and Music Theory I–III.
Mrs. Lato holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction from Cardinal Stritch University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. During her undergraduate studies, she worked closely with respected music educators and gained conducting experience with multiple university ensembles.
Mrs. Lato is an active member of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the National Band Association (NBA). Her leadership emphasizes musical excellence, student growth, and the belief that band is not just an activity—but a community built on commitment, pride, and performance.
Under her leadership, the Wauwatosa East Band has built a reputation for excellence on both national and international stages. The band has performed in numerous nationally televised parades, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Parade, and the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Internationally, the band has represented Wauwatosa in Rome’s New Year’s Day Parade and Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Closer to home, the band remains deeply connected to the Wauwatosa community, performing annually at events such as the Fourth of July Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Veterans Day Ceremony, Tosa Fest, and many other local celebrations.
The Wauwatosa East jazz program is equally vibrant, with ensembles participating annually in the nationally recognized Essentially Ellington competition and hosting renowned clinicians from across the country and around the world.