Lincoln-Way Central Band Director Headed to Joliet West

The Joliet Township High School Board of Education on Tuesday night approved Lincoln-Way Central Director of Bands Eric Wellman as the new band director at Joliet West High School. 

Wellman replaces Kevin Carroll, who recently resigned after more than two decades at JTHS to take a job in Aurora. 

In a press release announcing Wellman's hiring, the district said has served as the Lincoln-Way Central director of bands since 2000 and has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in music education from Vandercook College of Music. 

His achievements at Lincoln-Way Central include leading the band in performances at the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade and in regions as far as Rome, Italy, JTHS said. Wellman’s curricular duties included conducting the wind ensemble, symphonic band, percussion classes, piano class and music technology class. He served as both the director of the marching band and the Jazz Band II and was the coordinator for the annual Day of Percussion and district honor band.  Under his direction, the Lincoln-Way Central band has performed at the Illinois Music Educators Conference and the Music For All Sandy Feldstein National Percussion Festival.  

Wellman’s employment is effective Aug. 14, the district said.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to continue the musical excellence at Joliet West High School,” Wellman said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for me and my family and we look forward to being a more involved part of the community where our children will attend high school.  I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve together in the future.” 

Joliet West High School Principal Teresa Gibson said that Wellman was selected from a pool of qualified applicants. 

 “The history of excellence in our Joliet West band program attracted over 90 applicants,” said Gibson.  “A team of staff established criteria and invited 11 candidates to interview with a team of administrators, fine arts educators from both Joliet West and Troy, and student band leaders.”

Gibson said two candidates were selected for final interviews, but Wellman’s qualities stood out among the rest.  “Mr. Wellman’s energy, experience and dedication to music education and the Joliet community was outstanding and we are excited to welcome him to Joliet West,” she said.

Joliet West High School will introduce Wellman to parents and community at a “Meet and Greet” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, in the Joliet West High School cafeteria, 401 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet.