David Gorham

David Gorham has taught 33 years in public school music education. He served as Director of Bands at Owasso High School for 25 years prior to his retirement in 2014. In 2024, he returned to the position. During his first tenure, the high school band grew from 120 to 380 members. Before coming to Owasso, he taught in McAlester (OK), Hartshorne (OK), and Van Buren (AR). The ensembles under his leadership all earned Superior ratings at every region and state event for the 31 consecutive years. The Owasso Wind Ensemble performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1999 & 2012, and was selected as an OkMEA Honor Group eight times. The band program was awarded the Sudler Flag of Honor and Sudler Shield by the Sousa Foundation.

The marching band made three appearances in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade under his leadership, and was named the Overall Best Band in the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. In addition, they were named finalists at Bands of America Regionals in St. Louis, Arlington, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Grand Nationals Championships.

Mr. Gorham was selected as the OBA Director of the Year for 1997. He is a recipient of the OkMEA Exemplary Teacher award, and a Bandworld Legion of Honor Laureate. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, ASCAP, Oklahoma Bandmasters Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Music Educators Hall of Fame, and the American Bandmasters Association.

Mr. Gorham and the Owasso band program were featured in the September 2013 addition of School Band and Orchestra magazine. In 2016, Mr. Gorham was featured in a chapter of the book “Rehearsing the High School Band”.

Mr. Gorham currently has 100 published works for concert band, These works have been included on contest lists throughout the United States and abroad.