For more than a century, the Wauwatosa East Red Raider Band has been a defining part of the school and community. Long before it became known as Wauwatosa East High School, the band was already building a tradition of excellence, performance, and pride that continues today.

The Red Raider Band has represented Wauwatosa on local, national, and international stages—performing in iconic parades, festivals, and competitions across the United States and around the world. These experiences have shaped generations of students, creating lifelong connections to music, teamwork, and community.

A Tradition of Performance

The Red Raider Marching Band regularly participates in area and regional competitions, including the Cudahy High School Marching Invitational, Waukesha South MarchFest, and the Wisconsin State Marching Band Championships.

Over the decades, the band has been selected to perform in some of the most prestigious parades and events in the world, including:

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (multiple appearances)

• Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade

• Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

• London New Year’s Day Parade

• New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Rome & Frascati New Year’s Day Parades

• Paris Parade Festival

• Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Edinburgh “Music for Edinburgh” Gala Concert Series

• Expo 67 in Montreal

• Indianapolis 500 Parade

• Bicentennial Festival of States

• Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World

• Hollywood Christmas Parade (scheduled; canceled due to COVID-19)

• Waikiki Holiday Parade (invited)

These performances reflect not only musical achievement, but the dedication, discipline, and pride carried by Red Raider musicians year after year.

Leadership Through the Years

Strong leadership has played a critical role in shaping the band’s identity. Since 1923, the program has been guided by dedicated educators who have upheld high standards while adapting to new generations of students.

Chronology of Band Directors
(Wauwatosa High School prior to 1961)

• 1923–1954: Alfred Brendel

• 1954–1959: Willis Bittmer

• 1959–1984: Orville A. Matthias

• 1984–1985: Orville A. Matthias, A. Scott Gunther

• 1985–1986: A. Scott Gunther, Gary Fugman

• 1986–1987: A. Scott Gunther, Lynn (Annesley) Phelps

• 1987–1992: Daniel J. Petersen, Douglas T. Owens

• 1992–1993: Daniel J. Petersen, Lonna Wolf

• 1993–1995: Douglas T. Owens, Lonna (Wolf) Schickert

• 1995–1999: Douglas T. Owens, Robin J. Engl

• 1999–2011: Robin J. Engl, Robin R. Engl

• 2011–2012: Robin R. Engl, Jennifer (Pfeffer) Lato

• 2012–2015: Jennifer Lato, Cara (Anderson) Collins

• 2015–2017: Jennifer Lato, Kristin Cudzewicz

• 2017–2022: Jennifer Lato, Jeffrey Krubsack

• 2022–2025: Jennifer Lato, Noah Manke

• 2025–Present: Jennifer Lato, Mairyn Schoshinski

We also pause to remember leaders who have passed but whose impact endures:

• Orville A. Matthias (passed June 21, 1989)

• Daniel J. Petersen (passed May 2023)

Alumni: Once a Red Raider…

Thousands of students have passed through the Red Raider Band, carrying its values into their lives beyond high school. Alumni remain an important part of the band’s story—whether as professional musicians, educators, supporters, or lifelong advocates for music education.

The Red Raider Band’s history is not just measured in performances or destinations, but in the people who continue to carry its spirit forward.

Once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider.