Conductors
David Pallo - Conductor and Music Director
David has been involved in the Monroe Arts community for nearly thirty years. A graduate from Western Washington University, he has worked as a teacher for the Sultan School District since 2001 specializing in elementary music education. David is an active musician in Snohomish County as an educator, trumpet player, music director and bandleader. He has been a part of numerous projects in Monroe including the musical productions of My Fair Lady, Oliver and Suessical. David has also been the leader of a variety of musical groups that include the Evergreen Youth Jazz, Tarnished Brass, and the Monroe Tiny Jazz Orchestra. In the summer of 2004 David and his wife, Rhonda, along with the Monroe Arts Council, founded the Monroe Community Band. Their vision for this organization was to bring musicians together,
create great music and share it with members of the community. David currently lives with Rhonda and their two cats, Coda and Dolce, in Gold Bar.
Melissa Gray - Conductor
Melissa obtained her Bachelor of Music with Distinction, from the University of Victoria. From there, she finished her 2nd degree in Education, and taught high school music in Vancouver, BC, Canada, for 6 years. Her instrumental music teaching experience has included conducting award winning orchestras, wind ensembles and jazz bands. Her groups have performed both nationally and internationally. She loves conducting and playing her clarinet. It wasn't long after she moved to Snohomish, she wanted to be part of a musical community. In 2013, she found her home with the Monroe Community Band. She also collaborates with Sky Performing Arts, and was the musical director to their latest production, "Oklahoma." She believes the
enjoyment of music is a vital part of life, and tries her best to allow her passion and love of music to be passed on to whomever is listening.