Hello! This is my 36th year as an orchestra teacher and my 20th year leading the orchestra program at Wayzata High School. I lead our four 10-12 grade ensembles and serve as support teacher for our three Intermezzo Orchestras.

My journey as a music educator began with my mom, who directed the children's choir at our church. Though I wasn't conscious of it at the time, the joy that she took in helping young people find their musical voice undoubtably found its way into my heart and mind. My formal education as a violinist began in the Mounds View Public Schools (class of ’84) and included private lessons with Mary Horozaniecki. I went on from there to study at St. Olaf College (‘88  B.A. with Distinction, Music Education) and the University of St. Thomas (’98 M.A. Music Education). I began my teaching career in Owatonna, Minnesota, and taught there until coming to Wayzata in 2005. I served on the conducting staff of the GTCYS from 2016-2022, leading their Concert Orchestra.

I was on the cross country running and ski teams in high school and began refereeing soccer games during the summers, something I would do for another twenty years. My more youthful years included skydiving, bungee jumping, five performance trips to Europe, and other fun. 

My wife, Terra Widdifield, and I married in March of 2021. We have a lovely little home in Southeast Minneapolis. When not spending time with Terra or keeping up on school work, you might find me puttering around the house or yard, at Orange Theory Fitness, at a concert, reading, or playing my violin. Terra works for Music Organizations at St. Olaf College, with responsibilities that include taking the bands and orchestras on both national and international tours. She has a great love for flowers, particularly zinnias and dahlias.

My daughter, Maya, is a 2021 graduate of St. Olaf College. After a gap year in the Pacific Northwest, hiking and camping in the mountains, she is now back in Minneapolis and working for a company that matches corporate and non-profit scholarships with aspiring students. She's the happy owner of two cats and a dog!

mark.gitch@wayzataschools.org

Greetings! I am excited to be in my third year teaching at Wayzata High School, where I serve as the lead teacher for 9th Grade (Intermezzo Blue, Silver, and Gold), support teacher for Sinfonia, and teach Guitar.

Raised in Minnesota, I grew up in Golden Valley and attended school in the Hopkins district. My musical journey began in fourth grade when, after some persuasion, my parents rented me a violin and enrolled me in lessons. Under the guidance of Sue Bennefeld, I quickly developed a passion for music and joined the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS). I had the privilege of performing with their orchestras for six years, including a capstone international tour of Germany, Poland, and Hungary during my senior year of high school.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, magna cum laude, from St. Olaf College, where I studied violin and chamber music under Ray Shows (Artaria Quartet) and conducting with Steven Amundson and Dr. Timothy Mahr. At St. Olaf I participated in multiple ensembles, including the St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Philharmonia, Viking Chorus, and Chapel Choir, along with various chamber groups.

Before joining the staff at Wayzata High School, I briefly taught elementary music in the Robbinsdale Area Schools. In addition to my role at WHS, I serve as the music director for the Cannon Valley Youth Orchestras in Northfield and perform as a violinist with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra.

Outside of my musical pursuits, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, appreciating the outdoors, and exploring local restaurants and shops with friends.

max.clifford@wayzataschools.org