PHILLIP WIGHTMAN

Director of Bands

MR. PHILLIP WIGHTMAN has served as the Director of Bands at La Habra High School for 28 years. At LHHS, Mr. Wightman oversees the Highlander Marching Band (HMB), Drumline, Color Guard, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble, as well as teaches Music Appreciation/Listening & serves as co-chair of the HiArts Department. He has led the HMB to numerous CSBC championship performances, most recently in 2022 with the production of “Pandora’s Lament”. Mr. Wightman’s Jazz Ensemble & Symphonic/Concert Bands consistently receive superior ratings at SCSBOA adjudicated festivals, with the Highlander Jazz Ensemble earning 1st and 2nd place at their last two annual jazz festivals. Winter Drumline recently earned the title of Gold Medalist at the 2024 CSBC Indoor Percussion Championships while simultaneously competing in SCPA and having been a finalist in WGASC/ADLA over the years. Winter Guard’s performance in WGASC and WGI has landed them numerous finalist positions, in which they earned the Gold Medal for the WGASC Scholastic AAA division in 2023 for their production of “Reclaim the Night”.

Mr. Wightman graduated from Fullerton Union High School and began his journey towards becoming a music educator by enrolling in Fullerton College where he quickly joined numerous Jazz Ensembles and Big Bands as a lead trumpet player. Upon graduating from Fullerton College, Mr. Wightman pursued his Bachelors of Music at California State University, Northridge and further completed his Masters degree of Jazz Studies at USC Thornton School of Music, where he received several scholarships for his musical ability & talent, and was invited to teach a Jazz Studies class while still being enrolled as a student at USC. He later received his teaching credentials at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Mr. Wightman has received numerous awards and recognition for his service to his students, such as being awarded Teacher of the Month at LHHS and named a 2023 Orange County Music and Arts Award Nominee for Music Educator.

Throughout his time as an educator, Mr. Wightman’s students have continuously placed highly in nearly every honor band, both locally and statewide, including the Tournament of Roses Honor Band & the SCSBOA All-Southern California Honor Band. Many La Habra High School alumni who were once under the direction of Mr. Wightman have chosen to further their study of music in colleges and universities, with a number of them now music educators and/or playing on a professional level. Mr. Wightman is thankful for the community that La Habra offers, and enjoys working with so many incredible students & wonderful human beings.