Former Music Directors

A passionate performer and educator, Jacob Scherr brings with him a diverse background to the podium. Mr. Scherr graduated with a degree in Music Education from Western Washington University in 2009 and in 2014 completed his Masters Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University.

In 2009 Mr. Scherr was appointed Director of Bands and Orchestras at Mount Vernon High School in Washington State and has been involved in every aspect of the instrumental department. In addition to directing the school’s bands, jazz bands, and orchestras, he has instructed courses in music theory, guitar, led the Bulldog Marching Band, and founded the Mount Vernon Mariachi program.

Mr. Scherr’s ensembles have performed for the KPLU School of Jazz Recording Projects and at Washington Music Educators Conferences. The MVHS Wind Ensemble made their Carnegie Hall debut in 2017, performing at the National Band and Orchestra Festival. Mr. Scherr immensely enjoys his involvement with music organizations, having given presentations at the WMEA, NAfME-NW and NAMM conferences. In 2017 Mr. Scherr completed his term as President of the San Juan Music Educators Association.

Mr. Scherr co-founded the Whatcom Wind Ensemble, a community band located in Bellingham, Washington, has served as the Assistant Conductor for the Skagit Symphony and in 2022 as Visiting Director of Bands in 2022 for Western Washington University for Winter and Spring quarters, filling in for Dr. Christopher Bianco who had been appointed Dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Mr. Scherr is honored to work with the fantastic musicians of the Washington Wind Symphony. Mr. Scherr lives in Mount Vernon with his two children, Brennan and Lydia.