David Fodor

He began his career at Herscher HS in Herscher, Illinois, teaching 5-12 instrumental music from 1976-82. During his time in Herscher, the band program was 3-time Illinois State Sweepstakes champions, 2-time Illinois State marching band champions, and 1982 MBA National Marching Band Champions.​Dr. Fodor holds a Ph. D. in Music Education from Northwestern University (1998), an M. A. in Percussion Performance from Western Illinois University (1984), and a B. S. in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (1976). He is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha and Phi Beta Mu Musical Fraternities, and an active jazz performer in the Chicagoland area. He serves as a clinician and guest conductor across the country.
In his retirement, Dr. Fodor served as the Coordinator of the Young Composer Showcase sponsored by the Jazz Education Network and is a Reviewer of new jazz music and materials for The Instrumentalist magazine.  He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Music Educators Association, serving as Vice President of the Secondary General Music Division. In addition to his work with the IMEA, Dr. Fodor is a former Illinois state officer of the Percussive Arts Society and is a past President of the International Association of Jazz Educators Illinois Unit. Dr. Fodor also enjoys being Conductor of the Wilmette Community Band and teaching a music education course at Northwestern University. 

Dr. Fodor was recognized by the Jazz Education Network as the recipient of the 2019 President's Service Award.
in April, 2019, the Jazz Institute of Chicago recognized Dr. Fodor as 2019 Jazz Educator of the Year.