Pierre La Plante

A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Pierre La Plante (b. 1943) grew up in Sturgeon Bay, where he was active in high school band, choir, and musical theatre. He received a Music Clinic tuition scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he earned the Bachelor of Music with Honors in Music (1967) and Master of Music (1972) degrees.

He began his teaching career in the Blanchardville public school system (now Pecatonica Area Schools) where he directed the high school band and chorus. In 1972 he went to Prescott, WI, to direct the high school band, marching band, and choir.

He returned to Pecatonica Area School system in 1975 to teach general music K-6 and beginning band (5-6), retiring in 2001. His many years of working with beginning bands has proven helpful when writing music that is accessible to young players.

An accomplished composer and arranger, his catalogue of works has been performed by bands in Australia, Europe, Japan and Saudi Arabia, as well as throughout the United States. He has received numerous commissions, including two for The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) which were premiered in Dusseldorf, Germany and Aberdeen, Scotland.

He has adjudicated for solo-ensemble contests and played bassoon in regional orchestras including the Dubuque Symphony and the Beloit-Janesville Symphony.

He has guest conducted or participated in workshops at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Minnesota, Eastern Illinois University, University of Akron, Southern Oregon University and Valdosta State University, as well as other venues.

His music is published by Daehn Publications, C. L. Barnhouse Co., Kjos, Grand Mesa and Bourne. In addition to band works he has published music for string orchestra and several settings of Wisconsin folk songs. He is a member of ASCAP.

He resides on Oregon (Wisc.) with his wife Laurie, where he enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with his family.