KATIE TAKAHASHI is a native of Walnut, CA. She graduated from Walnut High School in 2013, where she served as the Head Drum Major of the marching band. Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and her Teaching Credential from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where she studied flute with Professor Sheridan Stokes and conducting with Professor Travis Cross. She was also a member of the Solid Gold Sound of the UCLA Marching Band. Katie received her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Central Washington University through the American Band College Master’s Program.
Katie is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Walnut High School. Katie feels extremely lucky to return to her alma mater and work alongside her former music teacher, Corey Wicks. At Walnut High School, Katie teaches Concert Orchestra, Marching Band, AP Music Theory, and Symphonic Band. She also advises the Tri-M Music Honors Society, Blue Thunder Band Buddies Club, and the Color Guard Team.
In addition to her work at Walnut High School, Katie spends her Sundays with the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra as the conductor for three different levels of orchestra.