Patrick Gallagher is thrilled to return to Western Springs School of Talent Education to direct the Reading Orchestra for the 2026–2027 school year. Before becoming an elementary and middle school orchestra teacher, Mr. Gallagher attended WSSTE and studied with Beth Novak and Nancy Jackson until he graduated from high school. He then earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master's degree in Viola Performance from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. After teaching for a year in Minnetonka, MN, he moved back to Illinois, where he has taught 4th–8th grade orchestra in Naperville ever since. Outside the classroom, Mr. Gallagher enjoys hiking, biking, baking fun food with his son, and performing with the West Suburban Symphony.