Virgin Gorda Native Ron Harrigan Honoured as Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s First Music Educator of the Year

Ron Harrigan, originally from Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, has been named the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural Music Educator of the Year. The award will be presented during the orchestra’s annual gala, Soaring Strings, on 26 April at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois.

Harrigan, now residing in Crete, Illinois, has made significant contributions to music education in the state. He became the first band director at Southland College Prep Charter High School in Richton Park when it opened in 2010. Under his leadership, the school’s band programme has expanded to include over 140 students participating in various ensembles such as Stage Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra.

In addition to his role at Southland, Harrigan has also taught at Huth Middle School in Matteson, Illinois. He initiated Southland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Recruitment Night, providing students with opportunities to audition for college band scholarships.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra established the Music Educator of the Year award to recognise outstanding contributions to music education within the state. Harrigan is the first recipient of this honour.

The British Virgin Islands community acknowledges Harrigan’s achievements abroad, recognising his dedication to fostering musical excellence among his students.