David Morrison received his formal training in music at the University of Illinois, where he earned a Music Education Bachelor of Science degree in 1973, a Master’s degree in 1977, and an Administrative Certificate in 1984. In 1977, he was appointed Director of Bands at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, where he developed and maintained a nationally recognized band program for 29 years. After retirement from Prospect High School, Morrison served as adjunct music faculty for DePaul University and VanderCook College of Music, both in Chicago, Illinois, and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and served as interim conductor of the Illinois Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, in Bloomington. From 2008 to 2012, Morrison served as conductor of the University of Illinois at Chicago Concert Band. Since 2007, he has been teaching music at McCracken Middle School, in Skokie, Illinois, where he directs the McCracken Middle School Concert Band, teaches beginning band lessons, and assists with the district’s other bands.

Under Morrison’s direction, the Prospect High School bands achieved exceptional success. The Symphonic Band won numerous honors, including consistent first-division awards from the Illinois High School Association State Band Contest and the Chicagoland Symphonic Band Festival. The band was also regularly selected to participate in the prestigious University of Illinois Superstate Band Competition, where it won Honor Band Award on two occasions.

Also under Morrison’s direction, the Prospect Marching Knights gained national recognition for outstanding performances at state and national competitions; winning numerous championships at the Chicagoland Marching Festival; receiving the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, being selected for the finals five times at the Bands of America Grand National Championships; winning the Grand Championship at the University of Illinois Marching Competition 24 times, including 23 years consecutively; winning the Grand Master Championship at the National Pageant of Bands in Phoenix, Arizona; and for winning the Bands of America Toledo Regional Championship. The Prospect Bands traveled extensively, including to Hawaii (King Kamehameha Parade), London (Lordmayor of Westminster’s Parade), Pasadena (Tournament of Roses Parade), New York City (Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade), Arizona (Fiesta Bowl Parade), Orlando (Citrus Bowl and Magic Kingdom parades), Houston, Texas (Bank One Thanksgiving Day Parade), and Los Angeles (Hollywood Christmas Parade).

Morrison’s honors include the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, election to the Phi Beta Mu National Band Directors Honorary Fraternity, the Outstanding Contributions to Education Award at Prospect High School on two occasions, the Outstanding Chicagoland Music Educator Award, the Shining Star Award, and a nomination for the Golden Apple Award. In 2003, Morrison was honored as the State of Illinois Teacher of the Year. Subsequently, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame at Northwestern University. He received the John Paynter Lifetime Achievement Award and was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor. Morrison continues to guest conduct, clinic and adjudicate music groups throughout the United States and the world.